DATE DUE
Cornell University Library
PR 4699.E46A6 1873
Selections from the poems of Charlotte E
3 1924 013 456 664
The original of tliis book is in
tine Cornell University Library.
There are no known copyright restrictions in
the United States on the use of the text.
http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924013456664
^Ut^iW^:^ fi^i^^,.j^
SELECTIONS
FROM THE
AUTHOR OF "JUST AS I AM."
WITH A MEMOIR BY HER SISTER,
E. B.
LONDON:
THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY:
s6, Pateemoster Row ; 6$, _St. Paul's Churchyard ;
AND 164, Piccadilly.
^ ^^^m-
"PR
4'--7^^y
LONDUN : KNIGHT, PRINTER, BARTHOLOMEW CLOSE.
PREFATORY NOTE.
|he writer of this brief Sketch has been very re-
luctant to bring herself in any way before the
public ; and it is only after having been repeatedly
urged, that she has, at length, consented to write
these imperfect recollections of her beloved sister's
life. The difficulty has been great, because those -have
passed away who would gladly and efficiently have
assisted her, or themselves have undertaken the work.
As it is, she has been obliged to rely on her own
memory in reference to years long since gone by,
assisted only by some scanty private memorandum,
and some few of her sister's letters accidentally pre-
served ; for a large collection — some of a highly in-
teresting character — had been destroyed by her own
hand during the last two or three years of her life,
chiefly lest they might tend to any self-exaltation, so
truly was she humble in her own esteem, and jealous
of all that might foster vanity and pride.
These circumstances must be the writer's apology for
bringing befote others some very sacred memorials of
a most rare affection, which she would willingly have
withheld, had not others considered that they develope
her beloved sister's mind more truly than any attempted
description could have done.
"PR
^Uji^di
KNIGHT, PRINTER, BARTHOLOMEW CLOSE.
PREFATORY NOTE.
I HE writer of this brief Sketch has been very re-
luctant to bring herself in any way before the
public ; and it is only after having been repeatedly
urged; that she has, at length, consented to write
these imperfect recollections of her beloved sister's
life. The difficulty has been great, because thoise-have
passed away who would gladly and efficiently have
assisted her, or themselves have undertaken the work.
As it is, she has been obliged to rely on her own
memory in reference to years long since gone by,
assisted only by some scanty private memorandum,
and some few of her sister's letters accidentally pre-
served ; for a large collection— some of a highly in-
teresting character — had been destroyed by her own
hand during the last two or three years of her life,
chiefly lest they might tend to any self-exaltation, so
truly was she humble in her own esteem, and jealous
of all that might foster vanity and pride.
These circumstances must be the writer's apology for
bringing befoi?e others some very sacred memorials of
a most rare affection, which she would willingly have
withheld, had not others considered that they develope
her beloved sister's mind more truly than any attempted
description could have done.
|fttst tt,^ fl aw/
' Him that Cometh to Me I will in no wise cast oat."
Jokti vi, 37.
^ttst as I am — ioitlunit tna f\e&
52)3 gat that "iEkg ilojjS teas skcb for tat,
3L«3) that 'Sthott bib'0t me tomt tfl '(Kluc —
O yiimb of eloJ), i touif !
J«st 30 i am — ani inaiting not
%.a rii mj" sflal rtf exit bark blot,
"SCo %Mtt, tokoBS bloob can cUattae tath spot—
® i;amb of ®ob, i toxaz !
Jttst as i am— tkottfih toss'b aboat,
SKtth maun a roirflitt, matijj a boabt,
^ijhtiitgs anb fcnrs hjtfhirt, torthoat —
© Jamb of (Sob, i contf '.
Jttst as I am — ptror, iaxzicheb, bltnb ;
^ight, tickea, lualiitg of the miftb,
2ia, ail i twfi, itt 'Wkzt to flni—
(!) Samh flf (iol), i wmt !
^ttst as i am— 'aChott toilt Mcttbf,
SSilt tofkrrmf, yaxSxm, tUansz, wluhr,
gMatts* '(Ehs i>romis« i if Iwh* —
® Sami of ffioi, i cimu 1
Jtnst as I am — %h:s loot unknoian
|gas iioken fSerj iatriet iotnit ;
^oSi) to he '3;iui«, -Qfn, i:hiiw alotw —
® gamb of ©oi, I com* 1
Jast as i am— of tftat f«£ lobe,
"Wxx. toaJth, IcngtK, Sijrth, artb htislit to jiroir ,
|@w«, for a sfasow, tlwn aboi« —
ffl ^amb of ®0)), i comt I
c. E.
CONTENTS.
Prefatory Note .... iii
"Just as I am" . . . . . iv
Biographical Sketch .... 13
To A Fellow Traveller . . . .61
The Comforter .... 62
The Secure Refuge . . . ,64
,The Bridegroom Cometh ... 66
The Daily Lesson . . . . .68
Thoughts to Comfort ... 69
The Christian Warrior . . . .72
A Song in the Night ... 73
A Hymn of Praise . . . . .75
The Path of the Just ... 76
The Fountain . , . . -77
A Meditation and Prayer ... 79
The Day is at Hand . ^ . . Si
Onward and Upward .... 82
dLonttnts. .
PAGE
Rejoicing in Hope ....
. 84
Fear Not .....
85
A Christmas Hymn
• 87
Life's Evening Hour ....
90
To THE Passing Spirit.
■ 92
The Better Country .
93
The Twilight Hour
■ 94-
Hymn for the New Year
96
Saturday Night ....
• 98
The Wild Violet ....
99
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
. 100
A Winter Sunset ....
■ 102
The Universal Hymn
. 103
New Year's Eve . . . •
104
The Name above Every Name .
. 106
Look Upward . . . • •
108
The Holy Comforter
. 109
The New Jerusalem . . . •
III
Sunday Morning ....
. 112
The Man of Sorrows
114
Weep Not . . . • ■
. 116
The Scriptures . . . •
117
To a Friend setting out on a Journey
. 118
viir
Contmtjs.
FAGB
Easter Eve . . . . . .119
Hallowed Sleep . . . . izo
My Home . . . ' . . .122
For the First Sunday of- a New Year . 123
The Search for Happiness . . .125
The Way, the Truth, and the Life .■ 127
lo A Mourner ..... 128
On a Departed Friend ... 130
Let me go; for the Day-Breaket^ . .131
On Sacred Music .... 13^
A Simile . . . . . -134
Stanzas for a Friend in Sorrow . . 135
On an Early Violet . . . .139
Summer Evening by the Seaside . . 140
To the Nightingale . . . .141
The Hour of Prayer ... 142
The Lord turned, and looked upon Peter . 144
The Young Believer's Prayer . . 14S
■ On a Spring Morwng . . . .146
The Sure Guide .... 147
Sonnet to the Harp .... I49
Prayer for Faith .... 15°
Thoughts in Seclusion . . . -151
€:x>nt£ut0.
PAGE
To AN Aged Pilgrim on his Birthday
'53
A Prayer at Midnight .
• 154
The Wanderer's Return
iSS
Go AND Sin no More
• 157
On A Frosty Evening
158
The Hidden Life ....
• 159
Light and Darkness
160
The Still Small Voice .
. 161
To THE Evening Star
163
To a Widowed Friend
. 164
My Son, give Me thine Heart
16s
The Christian near his Home .
. 166
Above the Heavens ....
169
Faint, yet Pursuing
. 170
The Skylark .....
171
Blessed are they that Mourn .
. 172
The Moon over the Sea
173
For New Year's Day
• 174
A Dream .....
176
To One Bereaved of Many Relatives .
■ 179
Anticipations .....
180
Epitaph .....
. 182
On a Restless Night in Illness . .__ 183
X
(Eont«»t0.
To One whose Mind was disordered by Grief
The Widowed 'Heart .
To A Bereaved Christian Friend
Prayer to the Saviour
To Faith ....
Why should I Fear to Die?
Thy Will be Done
Now WE see through a Glass Darkly
On Leaving Home . /.
Be Not Faithless,- but Believing .
Leaning on her Beloved .
Return unto thy Rest, O my Soul
Safe on the other side .
Thoughts on a Birthday
By the Death^bed of a Friend .
Hymn for a Dying Bed
Prayer for a Departing Spirit .
Safe in Christ ....
The Perfect Example
Not my Will, but Thine
Thou God seest Me
A Present Help
Paternal Chastening
i8s
189
190
192
193
195
196
197
199
200
202
203
205
206
208
209
211
212
213
214
216
21S
Qlonimie.
PAGE
Strong Consolation
220
To Die is Gain
. 221
Prayer against Impatience .
223
The Unfailing Friend
. 225
For a Sunday in Solitude .
226
I COME to Thee . ^ c
. 228
Forsake Me Nor
229
In Sleeplessness oe Pain
. 231
In Deep Waters
232
On Recovering from Illness
• 233
More than Conqueror
235
When Expecting Suffering
. 236
Abba, Father ....
238
The Sheltering Wing
• 239
All Things become New
241
The Ever-present Helper
. 242
Closing Sonnet
244
Appendix ....
■ 245
Biographical Sketch.
I HARLOTTE Elliott, the gifted writer of
the well-known Hymn " Just as I am,"
was bom i8th March, 1789;, and died
September 22nd, 1871. She was the
third daughter of the late Charles Elliott,
Esq., of Clapham and Brighton. During
many years her parents formed the centre of a very
interesting religious circle at both those places.
Her uncle, the Rev. John Venn, was rector of
Clapham; and her mother, Mrs. Elliott, was the
eldest daughter of the Rev. Henry Venn, of Hud-
dersfield and Yelling, one 61 the leaders of the
religious awakening in the last . century, and to
her, as Eling Venn, are addressed many of the
letters that appear in the published memoir of his
life. Her two brothers, the late Rev. H. V. Elliott,
of St. Mary's, Brighton, and the Rev. E. B. Elliott,
author of the "Horae Apocalypticae," are well
known by their characters and their works.
JixTijraphual ^kttrh.
From early years she was more or less an in-
valid, and consequently her life was one of much
seclusion, offering but few incidents and little
variety. Her life was a hidden one. She always
rallied during the summer months, and was able to
pay visits to friends at a distance, who loved and
valued her society, and appreciated the charm of
her conversation and her brilliant imagination.
Amongst those whose friendship she specially
enjoyed, I must mention the Cunningham family,
at Harrow; our cousin, Mrs. Batten, who was a
Venn ; Bishop Shirley ; and the Moneys, who
were specially beloved. Visits to these friends
always brightened the ordinary monotony of her
life ; and the zest with which she entered into
the beauties of scenery and the charms of intel-
lectual society, will never be forgotten by those
who knew her.
Naturally she had a strong will, but this be-
came gradually subdued, as her religious princi-
ples deepened. Her temperament was eminently
poetical ; and her tender sympathy in every joy
or sorrow of those whom she loved is fully testified
in many of her letters and poems.
She was always exceedingly fond of music, with
a very fine and delicate ear ; and it was only the
14
biographical Sketch.
continual interruption of ill health that prevented
the successful development of this talentj as well
as the kindred accomplishment of drawing, for
which she showed much taste and aptitude. In
younger years her voice blended sweetly with
the family choir, and to the close of life her
enjoyment of music was exquisite. Such tastes
as these, combined witli her unusual powers of
conversation, her high intellectual capacity, and,
her zest for every interesting subject, made h^r
companionship very deUghtful and highly valued.
There was a period, before my father's final
Temoval from- Clapham to Brighton, when her
remarkable talents and accomplishments made
her a welcome guest in circles where she met
some of the most brilliant wits and writers of the
day. To one of her temperament such society as
this had an almost irresistible fascination. But
there was an absence of religion, if not hostihty
to it, in many of, those with whom she was thus
brought into connection, so as to endanger that
higher spiritual life, of which even then she was
conscious. But He who had loved her with an
everlasting love, and who well ki'ew how perilous
a snare this would prove to her, was pleased to
lay her on a bed of sickness, and thus to withdraw
^iagrapkicai ^ketrk.
her from the scene of danger and temptation.
This was, I think, in the year 1821.
Then followed a period of much seclusion and
bodily distress, from the continuance of feeble
health. Her views, too, became clouded and con-
fused, through an introduction to religious contro-
versy, and the disturbing influence of various
teachers, who held inadequate notions of the
efficacy of Divine grace. She became deeply
conscious of the evil in her own heart, and having
not yet fully realised the fulness and freeness of
the grace of God in the Lord Jesus Christ, she
suffered much mental distress, under the painful
uncertainty whether it were possible that such an
one as she felt herself to be could be saved.
At this conjuncture it pleased God graciously
to provide for her a spiritual teacher fully adapted
to her necessities. It was an era in her life never
to be forgotten. On the 9th of May, 1822, she
was for the first time introduced to Dr. Csesar
Malan, of Geneva, in her father's residence. Grove
House, Clapham, through the kind intervention of
Miss Waddington, afterwards the wife of Bishop
Shirley. From that time, for forty years, his con-
stant correspondence was justly esteemed the
greatest blessing of her life. The anniversary of
^ixxpaphiral ^lukh.
that memorable date was always kept as a festal
day ; and on that day, so long as Dr. Malan lived,
commemorative letters passed from the one to the
other, as upon the birthday of her soul to true
spiritual life and peace. The tenor of these com-
munications may be justly estimated from a letter
written about a fortnight after their first interview,
of which the following is a translation : —
Manchester : May \%th, 1822.
" Very dear Friends,
"Since the Lord our God, our Saviour
and our Father, has deigned to make me ' find
favour in your eyes,' and since the word of His
minister has been agreeable and precious to you,
I can in peace and confidence continue to discuss
with you those things which belong to our eternal
salvation.
" The love of the Lord is over all His works :
His compassion is higher than the heavens. He
forgets not any of His promises. He is faithful.
We do not believe it, dear friends;' our hearts
can neither imagine nor admit the love which God
bears us, unless they have been changed, renewed,
turned again unto the Lord by the powerful grace
of God. Even in the Christian world, amongst those
^' 17 c
^iffgraphkal .Slutch.
who speak most freely of religion, the sentiment
least found, and most seldom seen, is the simple,
sincere consciousness of the love of God. One
may converse for hours on the Gospel, or Church
business; or discourse with learning and spiri-
tuality on some high doctrine, or question of
morals, and- thus may have it said, nay, even
persuade ourselves, that there has been much
edification in such and such a visit, or social
gathering, or public service; and, nevertheless,
remain as far from the life of God as are the
men of the world in their calculations and vain
pursuits.
" Dear friends, one look, silent but continuous
and faithful at the cross of Jesus, is better, is more
efficacious than all beside. It, at least, connects
us with eternity ; it is a look of life, aye, of life
Divine. To say to oneself that the Lord loves us,
that He is our Father, that He cherishes us, that
He sees, follows, guides, guards us ; to believe, but
to believe indeed, that Jesus is our friend each day,
each hour ; that His grace surrounds us, that His
voice continually bids us be happy and holy in
Him ; to dwell, child-like, in the joy of that love,
and to repeat to one's soul, ' O my soul, my soul,
dwell thou in peace, and bless thy God : ' — all
^iograpkkal ^kekh.
this which is life, and without which there is no
life, either here below, or in the world above, is
not the work of our own will ; it is the direct
achievement of the merciful and freely given
power of Him who is ' over all, God blessed for
ever;' who is love, and who desires to be called
and recognized as the Father of infinite compas-
sion.
" But, dear, truly dear friends and sisters, in our
vanity, in frivolous presumption, in foolish error,
we may flatter ourselves that we live,'without this
life ; that we are wise, though ignorant of this
truth ; that we are content, happy, peaceful in the
midst of our own agitation and in a path we try
to trace in the quicksand of our glory, of the
approbation of acquaintances, of our sciences, our
lectures, our pleasures,^ etc. Then (and then very
happily, Charlotte !) there is no more peace for
an immortal soul thus deceived, bound, tenfold
vanquished by the craft and seductions of Satan,
of the world, of its own folly. For such a soul
there are only bitter restlessness, long feebleness,
tears, regrets, and continual sighings after a life it
cannot attain, yet of which it feels the imperative
need.
"But Jesus remains the same above this gloomy
19
^iographiral <SItetch.
ignorance, this culpable wandering : Jesus wliose
name is Saviour, Jesus who does not watch a
wretched soul to condemn and destroy it, but to
draw it to Himself, and to restore its life by par-
doning all ; Jesus looks upon this soul, and the
dear soul is astonished to feel once more, to find
repentant tears, and hope of grace and pardon,
and joys which it had thought never to know
again. Jesus looks upon Peter, and Peter can at
last say, ' Thou k?wwest that I love Thee.'
"Ah, well ! my very dear friends, since such a
look has lighted on your beloved souls, since to-
day you can say, ' We have found the Messiah,'
and can rejoice in the light of His countenance,
remain in that glorious possession while remaining
single-minded, and only occupying yourselves, espe-
cially during these early days, with this consecra-
tion, with this joy : oh leave, I pray you in the
name of your Redeemer, of your King who desires
to reign over your whole heart, leave Martha's
occupations, and be happy to sit tranquil at the
feet of the Saviour, listening to what He has to
tell you.
" Dear Eleanor, offer to Christ a sacrifice, a
whole sacrifice,- — do not keep back any part of
your heart. Dear Charlotte, cut the cable, it will
^tOQrajjhkal §kekk.
take too long to unloose it; cut it, it is a small
loss ; the wind blows and the ocean is before you
— the Spirit of God, and eternity.
" Your brother and friend,
" C. Malan."
Dr. Malan, as a skilful spiritual physician, had
carefully probed the wound, and led her to the
true remedy for all her anxiety, — namely, simple
faith in God's own Word, directing her attention
to such passages as the following : " Ho, every one
that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that
hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea,
come, buy wine and milk without money and
without price.'" And again : "God so loved the
world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,
but have everlasting life."^ And again : ""He
that hath the Son hath life."3 Whilst he thus
showed her the fulness and freeness of this
blessed Gospel, He also, with his own peculiar
earnestness and tenderness, impressed upoff her
the guilt of " making God a liar by refusing to be-
lieve the record that He hath given of His Son."*
I Isa. Iv. i. ^ John iii. i6.
» I John V. 12. ' I John. v. lo.
§ioQxn:phicnl Sketch.
The Spirit of God accompanied his teaching.
The burden was lifted off that weary spirit ; and
from that ever memorable day, my beloved sister's
spiritual horizon became for the most part cloud-
less. It is true that the suffering body would at
times weigh down her soul to the dust ; but no
doubt ever again assailed her. Her faith never
was shaken. She might shrink from present suf-
fering, or from unknown imagined terrors as to the
circumstances of her dying hour. But all beyond
was light and joy. Her constant testimony was :
" I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded
that He is able to keep that which I have com-
mitted unto Him against that day." '
Previous to the time of Dr. Malan's visit, my
sister's reading had been very discursive. The
noblest earlier writers in our own language, and
especially our poets, were her unceasing delight.
And all the best specimens of modern literature
were devoured with avidity as they appeared.
Dr. Malan at once perceived the spiritual danger
of such pursuits, so eagerly followed, to one of her
temperament. Under his advice, she threw aside
for a time the authors that she had found most
^ 2 Tim, i. 12.
|5iflgT»phii;al §ki;tck.
attractive, and confined herself to the exclusive
study of Holy Scripture.
The result fully proved the wisdom of this
advice. The blessed truths of the Bible laid hold
on her mind irresistibly. She found there a more
satisfying ,and elevating exercise for her thoughts,
than in the highest efforts of human genius. The
graphic power of the historical and biographical
narratives, the dissection of character, the full
development of Divine providence in all, created
an interest in her mind that she had never equally
experienced from the ordinary histories of man-
kind. Then the drapery, too, the brilliant imagery,
the word painting, the rich orientali»m of the
poetry, and the colouring of the whole, so rich,
and yet ever so true to nature, surpassed in her
estimation all human compositions.' But, above
all, she found the words of this holy Book speak
with such power to her own soul, so accurately
dissect her inmost thoughts, reveal to her so
1 I find these lines written in her own private Bible :
" i?z^ dee^ in this precious golden mine,
Toii, and its richest ore is thine ;
Search, and the Saviour will lend His aid
To draw its wealth f^om its mystic shade :
Strive, and His Spirit will give thee light
To work in this heavenly Tnitte aright.
Pray without ceasing, in Him confide,
■ Into all truth His light will guide."
23
^iffgraphical ^kdrh.
clearly the dealings of God with herself, so fully
set before her her own interest in the free grace of
the blessed Saviour, that from that time forth to
the end of life it was her principal study, her
most delightful companion, and by day and by
night her most unceasing meditation. She could
say, as few others could, " The law of Thy mouth
is better to me than thousands of gold and silver,
sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb."
And thus it was that she was prepared for that
office which in later life devolved upon her for
more than twenty-five years, the editing of the
" Christian Remembrancer Pocket - Book ; " the
daily texts for which were for so long, a time
chosen by herself, and carefully arranged to illus-
trate the particular series of spiritual subjects
which in each year she thought fit to select.
From this time her poetical talents became con-
secrated to religion ; and though she had in earlier
jears composed humourous poems, which were
much admired by competent judges, she willingly
renounced the eclat which this style of writing
secured, and counting those things but loss which
once were gain, devoted all the efforts of her pen
henceforward to one object — the glory of God,
and the benefit of others.
^iffflraphiral <Sket£h.
During many succeeding years, the personal
intercourse with Dr. Malan was not unfrequent.
For although his home was in Geneva, he visited
England from time to time, and never without
renewing his converse with those to whom his
ministry had been so singularly beneficial.
It pleased God also about this period (1823),
that many family illnesses and bereavements
occurred, which deeply affected my beloved sister,
and gave occasion to some of her most beautiful
poems which appear in " The Hours of Sorrow.''
During the autumn of the year 1823, an urgent
invitation was received from Miss Waddington
and her brother, asking my two sisters, with my
brother Henry, to pay them a visit at St. Remy,
in Normandy, their family estate. As the change
was thought likely to benefit our dear invalid,
arrangements were made at once for the journey
to France, oar brother Henry, who was tenderly
attached to her, becoming the escort. She greatly
enjoyed the novelty of French society and cus-
toms, and the foreign air agreed with her so well,
that she felt equal to visit Paris before returning
home. In November the travellers came back to
Brighton, refreshed in mind and invigorated in
bodily health.
^iographiral ^ketrlr.
During the following year, much occurred that
was full of interest to my sister. A District
Society was formed under the supervision of Mrs.
Fry and the Rev. Edward Irving, who became our
guests. Mrs. Fry was peculiarly attracted by my
sister's character ; and a warm friendship from
this time was formed between them, which lasted
through life. In some respects they were kindred
spirits, each having experienced trial, and its
blessed and refining influences.
About this time, also, we had a circle of very
superior and delightful friends, most of them
visitors for a time at Brighton. I may mention
amongst those most valued and loved, the Cun-
ningham family, Mr. Levison Gower and family,
Mr. Owen of the Bible Society, Archdeacon and
Mrs. Hoare, Dr. Macneile, the Wilberforces, and
the family, of Mr. and Mrs. Money. Though my
sister was unable usually to join our family party
when these guests were with us, she greatly
enjoyed their converse in her own private room.
During the next three or four years, there does
not occur to my memory much to record. Each
winter was to her one of confinement and suf-
fering ; and when summer weather arrived, visits
were made in various directions. But her health
26
^ioijra|jhical ^kich.
gave way entirely in 1829, and she became
too weak to leave her room. In the following
summer, it was thought that travelling, and entire
change of air and scene and medical treatment,
might prove of the greatest .benefit. Arrange-
ments were, therefore, made for her leaving home.
She was so weak at the time that it was necessary
to have her carried down-stairs and lifted into the
caniage. A sister and a maid accompanied her,
first into Devonshire, and then, in October, to
Leamington, where she was at once placed in the
hands of Dr. Jephson, a most skilful physician,
and one who, from his discernment and intel-
lectual character, was especially quahfied to be
useful to my sister, acting upon her body, as she
often said, through her mind and understanding.
There Ive remained till the following May, Dr.
Jephson proving as successful a physician for the
body as Dr. Malan had been for the soul. Very
gradually from this time my sister's habits of life
were greatly changed. At the cost of much daily
self-denial, earlier hours were adopted, and a diet
strictly according to rule, with gentle walking
exercise. Her state of mind at this period is
illustrated by the following letter (written after
our father's death) :
27
^bgraphkal §I«t£h.
Shirley : JVifz/. \-2tk, 1833.
" To-morrow is your birthday, my Eleanor, and it
is the second passed by you in a state of suffering,
and after a bereavement ■wiiich has made so affect-
ing an alteration in our lives. I would, if it were
possible, feel more tender sympathy and offer more
earnest prayers on your behalf than I have ever
done before, and infuse into these poor lines such
balm and consolation as your own dear affection
and sympathy have often dropped sweetly on my
suffering heart.
"I would tell you also, my love, that though I did
hope that your path would lie through a brighter
and more flowery region than mine, yet even in
the vale of suffering there are blessed companions
to associate with— sweet consolations to partake of,
heavenly privileges to enjoy. For myself, I am
well content to tread it, and to remain in it, till
my weary feet stand on the brink of Jordan.
' It costs me no regret that she
Who followed Christ, should follow me ;
And though, where'er she goes.
Thorns spring spontaneous at her feet,
/ love her, and extract a sweet
E'en from my bitterest woes.'
{Madame Guiotis "Address to Sorroxay)
But I have been many years learning this diffi-
cult lesson, — and even now am but little skilled
in this blessed alchemy.
28
^ttfjjrapkwai ^Itetck.
"During the last few months, I humbly trust I
have made some little progress, and oh ! that what
I have been taught by my heavenly Physician
might be of some benefit to a sister I so tenderly
love ! Oh how many bitter tears have I shed for
this cause, my Ellen; how many hard struggles
and apparently fruitless ones, has it cost me to be-
come resigned to this appointment of my heavenly
Father ; but the struggle is over now. He knows,
and He alone, what it is, day after day, hour after
hour, to fight against bodily feelings of almost over-
powering weakness and languor and exhaustion;
to resolve, as He enables me to do, not to yield to
the slothfulness and the self-indulgence, the de-
pression, the irritability such a body causes me to
long to indulge, — but to rise every morning, de-
termined on taking this for my motto : ' Jf any man
will come after me, let him deny himself, take up
his cross daily, and follow me;' and I trust He
has made me willing to do this, and has also made
the sorrows and sufferings of my earthly life the
blessed means of detaching my heart from the
love of it, and of giving me a longing, which seems
each day to grow stronger, only to be made meet
for my great change, to be sanctified wholly in
body, soul, and spirit. And during these weeks
^io^faphicid §kttch.
and months of separation from my nearest friends,
of seclusion and quietness, external and internal,
much has been passing, my Ellen, between my
soul and God,— such peace has been habitually
granted to me, — such a sense of pardoning love, —
such a bright hope that He has indeed chosen and
accepted me, and is preparing me for His heavenly
glory, refining and purifying me, that I shall ever
remember this period as one of the happiest
seasons of my life. The absence of agitation, and
excitement, and bustle, the unbroken hours of
reading and prayer, have been very helpful to me ;
the very feeling of being a passing guest — an un-
important and solitary person in the family — has
been useful to me, and has led me to draw
nearer to God as my only and all satisfying
portion."
In 1834 we became acquainted with Miss Harriet
Kieman, of Dublin, who came to England by
medical advice, though, alas ! too late to arrest the
progress of fatal consumption. She became our
loved guest. before going to the Isle of Wight for
the winter, and a most warm friendship was estab-
lished from this time with our whole family, but
more especially with our Charlotte. It was in
^iogra^jhical Sketch.
compliance with her very earnest request, as a
sort of dying legacy, that my sister undertook the
editorship of the Christian Remembrancer Pocket-
Book, which till this year had been in the hands
of Miss Kiernan. During a period of twenty-five
years, strength and ability were granted her to pre-
pare annually the little volume, though few knew
how much painful effort this editorship cost her.
It was enriched by very careful selections from
private mss. and letters, and by many of her own
original poems, — so that the sale increased wonder-
fully, and a considerable sum was in consequence
sent yearly towards the funds of a charitable insti-
tution in Dublin (founded by the Miss Kiernans).
For my sister always considered as consecrated
money any profits that might accrue from any of
her printed volumes, and to the close of her life
would never appropriate any portion of it to her
own use.
It was in this year that Miss Kiernan, in her
last illness, had prepared a hymn-book for invalids,
but it was little known or inquired for. The Rev.
Hugh White, an unknown personal friend, but a
valued correspondent of my sister, who began life
as an oflicer in the army, but afterwards entered
into Holy Orders, much desired to have this book
^iflgrajjhirai <Sketch.
revised; and in consequence, the present well-
known volume, called " The Invalid's Hymn-Book,"
was arranged by my sister, with the addition of
one hundred and twelve original hymns composed
by herself, and prefaced by Mr. White. In a
very short time the sale increased, and it now has
reached the eighteenth thousand. In it was first
published the widespread hymn, which has since
been translated into French, Italian, and German :
" Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come !"
A young lady friend was so struck with it, that she
had it printed as a leaflet and widely circulated,
without any idea by whom it had been composed.
It happened rather curiously that while we were
living at Torquay, our valued Christian physician
came to us one morning, having in his hand this
leaflet. He offered it to my sister, saying, " I am
sure this will please you ;" and great indeed was
his astonishment at finding that it was written by
herself, though by what means it had been thus
printed and circulated she was utterly ignorant.
Shortly after we became acquainted with the lady
who had printed it.
In 1835 her health was so far restored, that she
32
^iograpkkal Sketch.
yielded to the earnest request of some attached
Scotch friends that she would pay them a visit at
Dalgetty Manse. She travelled slowly by road
the whole distance, and to her poetic eyes and
imagination the Scotch scenery was full of charms.
In reference to this journey she writes : " After
Doncaster all the coujitry was new to me ; we had
delightful weather and great enjoyment. Durham
Castle and the Palace, from the bridge, have left
a picture in my memory, as they stood out in fine
antique relief, with the grey tint of time and its
ivy upon them. Otherwise, till we entered Scot-
land, there was- little to make any impression, but
that which cultivated and undulating country, seen
under a bright sun in fine weather, will always
produce.
" When we crossed the Tweed, and entered the
land I have so long loved and so often thought of,
and so earnestly desired to visit, I felt sensations
of unusual delight, blended with heartfelt gratitude
to Him who, even in this our brief earthly pil-
grimage, provides for us, and delights to bestow,
so many varied enjoyments and sweet refresh-
ments. Our friends contrived that I should enter
Scotland by a road rich in beauty and in objects
of interest. The silvery transparent Tweed, its
^iographkal <Sket£h.
richly-wooded banks, the fine seats embosomed in
wood around it, with the beautiful range of the
Pentland Hills, far more beautiful than our
favourite Malvern, — all these things woke up
feelings that long had slept in my bosom ; and
often and often the tear of rapture started to my
eye, as ' above, around, and underneath,' every
object seemed to touch some responsive chord
within, and to draw my heart towards Him ' with-
out whom nothing that is made was made, and for
whose pleasure all things are and were created.'
How much is our delight in His exquisite works
increased by our growing acquaintance with Him
as our Creator, Father, Saviour, Mediator, Sancti-
fier, Comforter ; and how often as I looked at the
glorious firmament, the hills, the woods, the waters,
the cattle, all reposing in their beauty so peacefully,
the words came to my mind, ' All Thy works praise
Thee, and Thy saints bless Thee ! They show the
glory of Thy kingdom and talk of Thy power, that
Thy power. Thy glory, and the mightiness of Thy
kingdom might be known unto men.' . . In spite of
almost wintry weather, cold winds and rains, your
sister feels herself so completely blest and happy,
with such a sense of the Divine benediction resting
upon her, that I think the actual vision of my
^iograpkkal ^ketrh.
blessed and only Saviour, and the actual sound of
His own voice, saying, '/ am with thee, My
presence shall go with thee, and give thee rest,'
could not exceed in certainty and sweet assurance
the conviction I now feel, that in this place, and at
this time. He does deal thus graciously with my
soul."
Other thoughts and feelings, written the same
year, find expression in the following letter :
'*Westfield Lodge, Brighton;
*' April T-itk, J.835.
" You will receive this on the sweet dg,y of rest,
,my beloved one, the day of nearest and fullest
access to that King of Glory, who is ever ready to
listen to us, and to grant all our petitions, if it be
for His glory and our real good, that they shall
be granted. May it be a, day of refreshment and
holy joy to ray beloved companion, with whom,
in spirit, I feel so closely, so inseparably united !
' Our bodies may far off remove, but still we're .
joined in heart ;' and I find myself hour by hour,
all day long, thinking of you, referring to you,
talking of you, and most tenderly cherishing your
remembrance within my heart. To - day I am
thinking of your journey, and rejoicing in the
^ttrgraphkal ^kckh.
beautiful gleams of vernal sunshine, and the sweet
spring feeling in the air, which will, I trust, make
travelling very pleasant, notwithstanding the num-
ber of little people and great people contained
in the chariot, rendering it, perhaps, close and
crowded. Oh, how much I wish I could really
look upon all the painful incidents and circum-
stances of daily life, as only the passing unim-
portant annoyances of a journey, — a journey of
which I trust far the larger part is accomplished,
of which but a few short stages remain, — the one
object I would bear in mind is its rapidly ap-
proaching termination.
' May I but safely reach my homi!.
My God, my heaven, my all.'
" If I am weary on my way ; ' in heaviness '
through bodily suffering ; or harassed by the scenes
I witness around me, in these fearful times, how
tranquillising is the thought, that none of these
things can for a moment impede my homeward
progress ; nay, that they are designed to quicken
it, and will assuredly do so, if sanctified to me as
they may be by the word of God and prayer, and
that I shall ere long leave a world 'made up of
perturbations,' for that better country, in which
now by faith I spend the only very happy hours
36
^iographifal <Sketth.
of my existence. Is it not, my beloved, exactly in
proportion as we thither ' continually ascend,'
and with our risen Lord habitually dwell, then
that we find rest to our souls, — that we feel they
have attained their proper centre ?"
One of the most striking features in my sister
was her deep sympathy in all cases of sorrow or
distress that were brought before her. It was a
most tender and active sympathy, for willingly she
would never reflise any application for pecuniary
assistance, — indeed, her charities often exceeded .
her means.
Another marked feature was her habit of inter-
cessory prayer, not only for all her relations, but
for friends far off and near, especially those who
might be in sorrow or suffering. Our noble
Societies were never forgotten by her : the Bible
Society, the Church Missionary, and the Jewish
Society had special days of remembrance.
Towards the close of the year 1836 she was
very ill, and some fears were entertained of serious
disease. Happily, however, this was not the case ;
but the advice of two eminent London surgeons
led to the decision that entire change and travel-
ling on the Continent would be most desirable.
37
^ujgrajrhical ,Slt£tch.
Accordingly arrangements were made at once
for the journey, and the months thus spent she
always looked back upon as the most enjoyable
of her whole life.
In November she returned to Brighton, after
spending a short time at Tuxford -vicarage, with our
brother Edward, after his second marriage. , And
in 1836, while staying with the Venn family at
Hereford, she writes : —
" I am sitting all alone in a pleasant little sitting
room upstairs. I have that oppressive sense of
heat and fulness which thunder-storms generally
produce in me ; a soft copious rain is falling
around, with which I think thunder and lightning
have been mingled. The sky is of that deep
purplish grey which forms so rich a background to
the bright green foliage ; and that stillness is pre-
vailing which generally precedes thunder, as if
Nature in humble silence did homage to .Him
' whose voice shaketh terribly the earth.'
" I breakfasted most happily alone, with a blessed
book in my hand, feeding my soul at the same
time with my body. Since that time, I have been
reading in that inexhaustible treasury of heavenly
wisdom and comfort, the beautiful 3rd of Revela-
tion, with its references in sweet Mrs. Shedden'?
^to-graphical §k£trh.
Bible, and have much enjoyed my noontide hour
of intercessory prayer for all the dear ministers
of Christ, and all the flocks committed to their
charge, especially those connected with ourselves,
and preparing for the holy Sabbath, and all my
own beloved family, among whom I thought of
thee, my love, and felt it sweet to pray for every
blessing, spiritual and temporal, needed by thee,
and known to be needed at this time by Him in
whom we are, I trust, for ever united by a tie still
dearer than that of any earthly relationship !
" Well, then, I set myself diligently to transcribe
a paper of three sides of writing, for our Pocket-
Book (" The Christian Remembrancer") which were
needed. They are on the character of our Saviour,
and will, I trust, be blessed to many to whom He
is precious. From Bowdler and Tersteegen I have
selected enough for the manuscript ; and now I
am going to compose a few sacred lines to insert
between the two papers, which will be a refreshing
change of employment, as I have been writing for
two hours. I have been walking about for a little
exercise, and composed the lines I wished, which
I think you will like (my own sister) when you see
them in out Pocket-Book. The text I took for my
motto is 2 Cor. iii. i8; and, if I do not deceive
39
^iffijrapltifal <Shftch.
myself, they were from my heart, as well as my
pen. Oh ! how sweet it is to strive to do every-
thing in the name and to the glory of such a Lord
and Master, and to be permitted in everything to ask
His aid, and to aspire to His blessed approbation.
" It is delightful to me at all times to be alone,
when I can employ myself; though, as you well
know (by having at such times been my sweet
cheerer and comforter), there are periods and feel-
ings which utterly disable me, and then perfect
solitude is heavy. Since I have been here I have
had only enough of it to enjoy, and to strive I
hope to improve. But I dwell upon the thought
more and more, that our earthly life is only a short
journey, some of its stages wearisome and long,
perhaps, but not one that does not carry us nearer
to our home ; and, blessed be God, not one that is
not cheered by His presence, and passed through
under His gracious direction ; and while these are
granted, the soul is happy, and even joyful, though
she feels the burden and the clog of a suffering
mortal frame. My own mental comfort, I own,
almost surprises me, so constant even here is the
sense of bodily weariness and indisposition ; but
the sweet hope, almost amounting to conviction,
that all is and will be well with me ultimately.
Ipiffgvaphuai gketfh.
that my light affliction which is but for a moment,
is working out even for me an exceeding and
eternal weight of glory, this carries me cheerfully
on. And, as I do believe my humble prayer will
hp answered more and more, by the peaceable
fruits of righteousness being formed in me, that
so before I go hence and am no more seen, my
Saviour may really be glorified in my body and
spirit which are His, I am not only willing but
thankful to suffer, because I believe that; it is to
make me a partaker ofi His holiness.
" I look on at these diligent fellow-labourers
spending so many hours every day in labours of
love among the ignorant and wretched, which I
am unable to share, and then I remember Milton's
sweet lines, ' They also serve who only stand and
wait;' and again I remember with comfort how
short that waiting time may be for me."
We left home for Dover on June 27, 1837, a
brother-in-law being our kind escort. We travelled
by post, through the north of France, to Brussels
and Frankfort, and so on to Basle ; just stopping
where there were objects of interest, or excellent
ministers to whom Dr. Steinkopff had given us in-
troductions. Our weather was lovely, and greatly
biographical .Sketch:.
did the novelty and variety exhilarate and delight
my beloved sister, especially the Rhine scenery.
After reaching Geneva, we felt at once in the
midst of friends : our intercourse with Dr. Malan
was renewed; and, in addition, we had the delight-
ful society of Professor Gaussen and his daughter,
with whom we made a short tour through the
Bernese Oberland. The Alpine scenery, and the
mountain air, seemed to give new life to our dear
invalid. 'Chamounix and the Mer de Glace were
visited in company with Dr. Malan ; and so much
was she invigorated that we ventured the ascent
of Montanvert to see the glorious sunrise over
the Mer de Glace, at four o'clock in the morning.
She went in a chaise d, porieur, while I mounted a
horse, and rode with Dr. Malan. In after years,
when speaking of this tour, she thus writes to a
Scotch friend who was travelling in Switzerland :
" Yes, my beloved J., the feelings of delight and
wonder, and adoring gratitude and praise, excited
by the scenes around you, can never be imagined
even, much less realised, till the enraptured eye
beholds them ! and how truly do I participate in
your counting all the splendid achievements in the
palaces of Versailles, and the magnificence of Paris,
as mere baubles and worthless toys, in comparison
42
^iagrajjkical Sketch.
with the matchless works of our glorious Creator.
To me, those mountains and emerald valleys, and
rivers and waterfalls, awakened such exquisite sen-
sations of delight, as I never expect to experience
again, till I shall gaze upon the new heavens
and the new earth, in still sweeter society, and
with an outward frame more suited to them
than this feeble mortal body ; — though I felt on
those heights as if I had already dropped the gar-
ments of mortality !"
Late in October we returned home, crossing the
Jura mountains, and so through France to Boulogne,,
her health and spirits greatly invigorated.
I think it was some time in this year that the
little volume called '" Hymns for a Week," was
first privately printed, to assist the funds of a
Bazaar held at Brighton, for St. Mary's Hall.
Surreptitious copies of these hymns were afterwards
circulated and sold by an individual who claimed
them as his own composition ! This obliged the
real authoress to have the book pubHshed with her
name, and it has now reached the fortieth thousand.
During the next two or three years there does
not occur much to record. The winters were always
more or less suflfering ; and in the summer months
43
^iapaphwal (Sketch,
visits were made in various directions — to Tor-
quay, Leamington, and Shirley.
In 1 84 1 the death of a most beloved sister-in-law,
Mrs. Henry Elliott, crushed her to the earth ; and
this blow was followed by our mother's fatal illness
in 1842. She was taken from us in April, 1843,
and thus our Brighton home was broken up. It
was during these last years that some of the most
touching poems in " The Hours of Sorrow" were
composed. Two sisters also passed away in the
following year; so that to a frame already much
enfeebled, the effect of these successive shocks was
very distressing ; and she became so alarmingly
ill, from some attack in the heart, that an im-
mediate change of scene was imperative.
It was at this time, when she thought it probable
she could not recover, that the following frag-
mentary letter, dated August, 1843, addressed to
her brother Henry and her sister Eleanor, was
written, though it was never discovered till 1871,
after she had safely landed on the heavenly shore.
* * # " When this paper meets
your eyes our sweet relationship will have closed
for ever ; but will our union be broken, our con-
nection dissolved, because my poor suffering body
^i0paplti£al .Sktkh.
is laid in the grave, and my spirit has returned
to God who gave it ? Oh ! my beloved com-
panions and counsellors, it will only be exchanged
for a better, and more intimate, and more perfect
union^ — for an eternal relationship j and I shall be
fitter for your love, and better adapted for your
society, when you read these lines, which I water
with my tears, than I have ever been while im-
prisoned in a body of sin and death, and mourning
unceasingly over all my countless faults and incon-
sistencies.
"I humbly hope, nay, I hope it is not presumptu-
ous to say, that I rejoicingly believe, T shall then be
'without spot, before the throne of God and of
the Lamb, — and the days of my mourning will be
ended.' Therefore, my precious brother, my own
beloved sister, ' weep not for me.' Think of me
as for ever safe, for ever pardoned, for ever holy,
for ever happy through the blood of the everlasting
covenant, and the unspeakable mercy of Him who
' hath loved me with an everlasting love.' From
that love I am persuaded nothing will ever separate
me ; nothing I may still have to endure in life, —
nothing I may be called to pass through in death.
I have fled for refuge to the hope set before the
vilest of sinners ! In my earliest childhood I dis-
43
biographical §ketrh.
tinctly remember feeling the drawing of my heavenly
Father to His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ ;
and in my often wayward youth His Spirit never
ceased to strive with me, convincing me of sin,
and making me miserable under the sense of it,
and my only gleams of happiness were " (here the
fragment closes abruptly).
In consequence of her increased illness, our
beloved brother, the Rev. Henry Venn Elliott,
who was very tenderly attached to his sister,
arranged for us a journey into Devonshire under
his escort. Linton and Lynemouth and Ilfra-
combe were the places chosen ; and again the
total change of scene, with the varied beauties of
that lovely neighbourhood into which she so fully
entered, proved very reviving to her shattered
frame. After a time she rallied so much that we
ventured to return to Brighton, though Westfield
Lodge was to be no longer our home, but a plea-
sant house in Regency Square, where we remained
during the chief part of the following year.
Early in the spring of 1845 we were again
advised to spend some months on the Continent ;
and, accordingly, we sailed from London to
Antwerp in May. My sister had intended wintering
with me in Italy ; but illness obliged us to return
4«
^iopaphkal .Sketch;.
home in July. Later in that year we moved to
Torquay by medical advice; and there, during
fourteen years, we found a delightful and beautiful
home, which my sister greatly loved and enjoyed.
The exquisite scenery just suited her poetical taste ;
and though she was again and again confined to
the house by illness, she was never weary of feast-
ing her eyes on the lovely landscape spread before
her windows. Many choice friends visited us
during these years ; amongst those specially valued
were the late Archdeacon Hodson and Rev. W.
Cleaver, who often kindly arranged to come on
the Sunday to administer the sacrament, and thus
to compensate in a measure by their ministrations
her privation in being unable to attend the public
services in which she so delighted.
The editorship of " The Christian Remembrancer
Pocket-Book'' occupied much of her time, particu-
larly in the consecutive arrangement of the daily
texts, which varied according to the special sub-
jects chosen for each year. This employment she
delighted in, and often hours would be spent in
what we called smilingly her "gold diggings."
In 1857 circumstances combined to make it
advisable to try the effect of a more bracing
climate; and having two brothers, with their
IJiograjjhical ^ketrK.
families, settled at Brighton, we determined once
more to return to that place endeared by so many
early associations. Accordingly, the change was
made ; and my sister's life was prolonged for four-
teen years, during which period she was con-
~ tinually engaged in preparing the Pocket-Book,
and in composing many additional hymns and
poems as circumstances arose either of joy or
sorrow to call out her tender interest and sym-
pathy. Some weeks during the summer months
were usually passed in the country. At Tunbridge
Wells she greatly enjoyed the drives, and the
occasional society of many friends ; and certainly
she became stronger after we left Torquay, though
advancing age gradually occasioned increasing
feebleness. Still she was able, when at Brighton,
to enjoy the pleasures of intellectual and spiritual
society ; and her zest and delight in reading herself,
or in listening to others, continued as fresh and
lively as ever, almost to the close of life !
During the latter end of her life it was her con-
stant habit before closing her eyes at night, and
immediately on first waking in the morning, to
repeat to herself certain verses chosen as most
suitable for these special seasons, and which she
always called her morning and evening "ladder."
48
biographical ^ketrh.
— I think it was like Jacob's ladder between earth
and heaven !
The death of our beloved brother Henry, in
January, 1865, was a crushing blow, and rendered
more deeply painful because of her inability to go
to him, even to bid him a last farewell ; for she
was at that time entirely confined to the house and
often to her bed. On the last birthday he spent
on earth she addressed to him the following touch-
ing and characteristic letter :
"My darling Brother,— I send three little
mites for your three charitable funds, with 'a
willing mind,' and a grateful heart; and may the
privilege be granted to me of helping you in some
little measure, by my poor but heartfelt prayers, in
all the arduous works entrusted to you by your
heavenly Master, an'd in which, indeed, you have
long ' laboured and have not fainted.' Oh, how full
has my heart been of deep and loving thoughts
ol you, my brother, on this day; and how sweet
and precious to me has the privilege been of pour-
ing out all these thoughts to Him whose you are,
for whom you labour, and who says to you, ' Be
thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a
crown of life.' You feed His sheep, my Heriry,—
Ipwgraphical jSkcirh;.
you feed His lambs ; and when the chief Shepherd
shall appear, what an abundant recompense will
He bestow. I have asked three things especially
for my. darling brother on this day: — First: that
his eye may be single, and his whole body full
of light, and his path as ' the shining light, which
shineth more and more unto the perfect day.' —
Secondly : that God may prosper all His work of
faith and patience, of hope and labour of love,
both in dear St. Mary's Hall and in St. Mary's
congregation, for every one of whom I try to pray.
— Thirdly: for strength of body equal to your
need, to be granted, and some helper found, to
lighten the burden which is too heavy for you ;
arid for such peace to fill your soul, that nothing
may harass you, and every trial may be turned
into a blessing. These are the prayers continually
offered for my precious brother from the heart of
his much-indebted and most loving sister (now in
her feeble old age), C. E."
Her attachment to this brother was most deep
and tender ; and, as he was younger than herself,
she had always hoped and expected that he would
minister to her in her dying hours f But God
had ordered otherwise; and though, as she often
^iwgraphtral ^kekk.
said, his removal changed the aspect of her life,
and was indeed an irreparable loss, yet it wa,s very
beautiful to notice her meek submission under
the heavy chastisement, and to observe how she
was enabled to say in the language of her own
well-known hymn :
What though in lowly grief I sigh
For friends beloved no longer nigh;
Submissive' still would I reply,
" Thy will be done !"
If Thou should'st call me to resign
What most I prize, it ne'er was mine,
I only yield Thee what was Thine :
" Thy will be done 1"
The last time she was able to leave home was in
1867, when we spent some weeks at Keymer, a
pretty quiet village within a drive from Brighton,
and sheltered from the keen winds by the South
Downs. The perfect quiet of this village, the
pretty cheerful views from our window, with the
soft balmy air proved very reviving and delightful.
Indeed she rallied so much that she was able not
only to take drives in the neighbourhood, but to
walk in the garden, to sit in the verandah, and
to watch the haymakers in their busy work in
the adjoining fields. After our return to Brighton
in the autumn her strength gradually lessened, so
that we found it necessary to spare every exertion ;
^ioQxti:phxcnl (Skdrh.
from this time she never left the house, and was
usually carried in a chair up and down stairs.
In the autumn of 1869 an acute inflammatory-
attack, attended with great suffering, so entirely
reduced her remaining strength, that her medical
friends had no hope of her rallying ; and during
two or three days those around watched by her
bedside, almost doubting whether the heavy sleep
was not the sleep of death ! It was after this
attack that she wrote the following hitherto un-
published verses :
Darling, weep not ! I must leave thee.
For a season we must part !
Let not this short absence grieve thee.
We shall still be one in heart ;
And a few brief sunsets o'er.
We shall meet to part no more !
Sweet ftas been our earthly union,
Sweet our fellowship of love ;
But more exquisite communion
Waits us in our home above ;
Nothing there can loose or sever
Ties ordained to last for ever.
Sweet has been thy tender feeling
Through long years for this poor frame :
Love and care, like balm of healing.
Have kept up life's feeble flame ;
Now these dying pangs betoken
That the *' silver cord " is broken.
Dearest ! those sad features pain me :
Wipe those loving tears away I
Let thy stronger faith sustain me,
In this dark and cloudy day !
Be my " Hopeful," make me brave.
Lift my^ead above the wave !
^iograijhual gfeetth.
Place me in those arms as tender,
But more powerful far than thine :
For a while thy charge surrender
To His guardianship divine !
Lay me on my Saviour's breast.
There to find eternal rest!
To the surprise of all, however, it pleased God
that she should yet remain with us a little longer ;
but from this period she was entirely confined to
her bed,- only leaving it to rest on the couch for a
few hours. But even in this weak and suffering
state her mind continued clear, and her affections
as tender and fresh, as ever. Her bedroom windows
looked over the country to the west ; and great
was her delight in observing the beautiful sunsets,
and all the varying colourings of the clouds, — she
even wished to be roused from sleep w'hen there
was a rainbow, or any special beauty in the sky.
Her love for flowers was almost a passion ; and to
the last week of her life she would have the nose-
gays sent by loving friends on her bed, and arrange
them with her own peculiar and elegant taste.
In the last two years of her life, and especially
during the last few months, there was much in-
crease of weakness and suffering ; but, amidst all,
the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ was hourly
magnified in her. Those at her side noted most
thankfully heir sweet peace, her bright hope, her
^iograirhiral Sketch.
gentle, humble, fearless drawing near to the gates
of death ; her deep love of Scripture and rich en-
joyment of its precious truths ; her earnest resist-
ance to all error ; her bringing all to the standard
of that Divine Word; her abiding love to the
name and the person of Jesus ; her full trust, most
humbly, in His atoning merits and intercession ;
her yearning after the hour when He would come
to take her to Himself; and yet her patience under
prolonged suffering; and her simple desire that
God would glorify Himself in her, living or dying,
doing or suffering His holy will. All is but as a
present, living, most blessed history to those who
survive, an earlier fragment of that which will be
fully developed in eternity. The principle of all was
simple reliance on the word and the work of Christ.
He had done all for her. He "hsA promised all to her.
She was as the limpet on the rock (she would
often say), so clinging to her blessed Saviour, that
any effort to tear her from Him was like rending
her soul asunder ; or, she was as the happy infant
on its mother's lap, with no strength, but needing
none ; fully supported by those loving arms, and
only looking up to the beam of light and love
on that blessed countenance, when the sweetest
joy would steal into her soul.
^iogtapkical Sketch.
Or again, she would retrace in her own mind
all she had ever known or read of worth and
beauty in man or nature, — all of genius and glory,
the highest and best on earth, — all the loveliest
and most noble characters that had ever evoked
admiration or esteem. She would review them all,
with a rich unfolding of the several pictures, and a
comparison of them with the portraiture, in her
own mind, of Him "in whom are hid all the
treasures of wisdom and knowledge." She would
speak of each one — Milton, Dante, Newton, St.
Paul, etc. — as but a faint outline, a shadowy re-
flection, of His glorious excellency. And thus,
when no one was by, in the silent hours of dark-
ness, her solitary musings, of which she would
give an account the following day, often made
even- wakefulness to be no weariness, and her sick
chamber as the pavilion of her Saviour's presence.
As to material images or pictures, she felt that
they did but cripple and confine her meditatioiis,
and draw them down to earth. And the pomp of
a gorgeous ceremonial was to her but the attempt
to create a semblance of religion, when the heart
could not rise to the reality. Many years since,
her living motto had been expressed in those
simple lines :
biographical ^ketrh.
Oh, Jesus, make Thyself to me
A living, bright reality,
More present to Faith's vision keen
Than any outward object seen, —
More dear, more intimately nigh.
Than e'en the sweetest earthly tie.
At one period, when her weakness made it no
longer possible for her to attend the public sanc-
tuary that she so dearly loved, this was the ex-
pression of her mind : " My Bible is my Church.
It is always open, and there is my High Priest
ever waiting to receive me. There I have my con-
fessional, my thanksgiving, my psalms of praise, a
field of promises, and a congregation of whom the
world is not worthy — prophets and apostles, and
martyrs and confessors — in short, all I can want
I there find."
In the last years and days of her life — days of
increased weakness and suffering — she was sus-
tained and blessed with a sense of her Saviour's
love and her Saviour's presence, and with a sure
and abiding trust in Him.
In a private paper writen for her sister Eleanor,
at the commencement of her 8ist year, she
says ; —
" I feel that so great an age as mine requires
three things — great faith, great patience, and great
peace. Come what may during the year upon
^iographkal ^ktttk.
which we have entered, I firmly believe that good-
ness and mercy, like two guardian angels, will
follow us during every day, in every hour, in every
varying circumstance through which we may have
to pass, — ^in every time of trouble sustaining and
comforting us, — the angel of His presence keeping
ever by our side, and whispering. Fear not, for 1
am with thee, — ^be not dismayed, for I am thy
God. We may have to part for a short season
with each other; but He has promised never,
never to leave us, — never, never to forsake us."
When parting with another beloved sister, a few
weeks before her death, she said, — "Our next
meeting will be at the marriage-supper of the
Lamb."
When the verse, " Let not your heart be trou-
bled," was repeated to her, she quietly said, " But
my heart is not troubled ■" adding, " My mind is
full of the Bible." And thaf word was her support ■
when speech had failed her, and she was passing
through the dark valley.
The last manifestation of consciousness was on
the morning of her death, when, on her sister
repeating to her their text for the day, "Thine
eyes shall see the King in His beauty, they shall
behold the land that is very far off," she clasped
^ixrgraphirsl ^ketrh.
her hands together ; and as she raised her eyes to
heaven, a beam came over her countenance, which
showed that she fully entered into the precious
words, and was realising the glorious vision she
was so soon to behold. On the evening of that
day, September 22 nd, at 10 o'clock, without any
apparent suffering, or the slightest struggle, she
fell asleep in Jesus, so peacefully that it was
difficult to fix the moment when the gentle breath-
ing ceased.
HUtVm^ in% i^i fif^m
CHARLOTTE ELLIOTT.
^if it '^tUm ^xiiHlUf{,
' Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on
Thee, because he trusteth^in Thee."
What is our sweetest joy?
Beloved companion ! say ;
What our delightful, best employ,
Untiring, free from all alloy.
In this dark cloudy day?
To speak together of our home.
Looking for Him who soon will come.
Where do our spirits find
Refreshment and repose?
When heart to -heart, and mind to mind.
We search those records God designed
To medicine all our woes ;
And feel, as bright its pages 'shine.
Each line was traced by Love divine.
^h£ aiamfoxitt.
We look on all around
As soon to disappear;
We listen to the tempest's sound,
As wildly now it sweeps around,
Without an anxious fear;
We hear a voice amidst its swell
Which whispers — "All will soon be well!"
Yes, soon the Lord will come ;
Then will all troubles cease;
Earth's kingdoms will His own become ;
Proud antichrist will meet his doom,
All will be joy and peace :
These very storms prepare His way,
And usher in that glorious day.
^^t ^miiftUi\.
Spirit of truth, of power, of love.
Who mak'st the contrite heart Thy seat.
The Father's promise from above,
Blest Paraclete !
lihe ^mioxiex.
The gift by Christ sent down from heaven
To cheer His flock, then tempest-tost,
The abundant compensation given
For Him they lost;
Spirit! the Church's Comforter,
With whom Thou deignest to abide,
Light, strength, and teaching to confer.
Our steps to guide :
Spirit of Jesus ! one with Him,
And with the eternal Father one !
Remove the veil that renders dim
That glorious Sun.
Oh manifest Thy power anew !
Reveal His love, His truths divine !
Till in Thy light those truths we view,
In vain they shine.
" Spirit of glory and of Christ ! "
Now lead us at His feet to fall;
Show us His ransom has sufficed;
Make Him our all !
63
tll«
|mt« ^4»fi*'
*' Lead me to the Rock that is higher thati I." — Psaltn Ixi, ^.
Thou, the Hope, the strength of Israel,
Their hiditig-place, in which secure they dwell,
The rock round which the billows vainly chafe,
While hidden in its clefts, Thine own are safe.
Lo ! tempest-tossed, bewildered, weary, weak.
That blessed hiding-place, my God, I seek.
1 see the swelling tide advancing still ;
A thousand fears my trembling bosom fill ;
I stretch my hands, I lift my feeble cries ;
On that safe spot I fix my straining eyes ;
Oh now let Mercy's arm, with power divine.
Place me upon that rock, and take me in !
I see no other rock — no safe retreat ;
Roughly the waves and storms around me beat ;
A shipwrecked, houseless mariner I roam ;
Earth has for me no resting-place, no home ;
O sheltering rock ! let me but safely hide
Within Thy clefts, I ask no boon beside !
-64
i;ke.§auw ^fttge.
Once sheltered there, for ever safe from fear,
The gathering storms I, undismayed, shall hear ;
Once sheltered there, how will my heart rejoice
Beneath its shadow, listening to that Voice
Whose heavenly accents bid all trouble cease,
Control the winds and waves, and whisper peace.
I cast no "longing, lingering look behind;"
On life's rough ocean no repose I find ;
I see it strewed with many a fearful wreck,
And many a gallant bark I vainly seek.
Which had 'they sought the rock, when tempest-
tossed.
Would ne'er, 'mid shoals and quicksands, have been
lost.
Here will I watch and wait, and " wish for day,"
O Rock of Ages ! at Thy foot I stay !
Let not the dashing waves unclasp my hold !
Let Mercy's arms my trembling form enfold.
And place me where " Thy hidden ones " repose,
Till the new earth and heaven their charms disclose.
65
4i!. pMmrn imifi.
'Blessed is he whom the Lord, when He Cometh, shall find watching,'
Thou for whom we look, now aid me
Still to watch, and trim my light !
Thou in white robes hast arrayed me,
I must watch to keep them white ;
Cold without, rough winds are blowing,
And within the air falls damp ;
Still amid the darkness glowing.
Bright must shine my bridal lamp.
Thy free grace. Thy love unbounded.
Chose, and bade me waiting stand.
Till the glad call should be sounded,
" Lo ! the Bridegroom is at hand ! "
Though the time seems long and dreary,
And the watch is hard to keep.
Still, though faint and weak and weary,
Lord ! permit me not to sleep.
%ht ^ritiegrcxym (Eotneth.
Let me, watch for Thine appearing,
Till the bridal pomp I hail ;
Till, night's mists and shadows clearing.
Streaming o'er the illumined vale
I discern the rising splendour,
Catch from far their sweet acclaim,
Whose unnumbered voices render
Praise and glory to Thy name !
Then, to swell the grand procession,
May we haste without a fear !
While, enriched by our accession,
Sweeter anthems greet Thine ear.
Then may my white robe be stainless-
May my lamp shed light around !
E'en without a spot and blameless,
May I at that hour be found !
Then the bride, indeed " made ready,''
Shall be brought with joy untold ;
Now no more defiled or needy.
But in raiment of wrought gold.
For this hour the whole creation
Groaned and travailed, as in birth —
Now the glorious consummation
Fills with joy new heavens and earth.
67
^Ijt lailg %mift{.
' Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" — Acis ix. 6.
What is the lesson I am taught
Daily and hourly, Friend Divine ?
could I learn it as I ought !
To have no will but Thine.
Oft I feel eager to fulfil
Some right intent, as best I may;
Then comes the mandate "to be still,"
To work not, but obey.
1 meekly plead, " Life's little hour
For me, far spent, will soon expire ;"
My Lord replies, "Thou wilt have power
When thou shalt come up higher."
In others, in myself, I see
EvUs I long at once to cure ;
Then comes this gentle check to me ;
" Be patient, and endure."
Ihxnttjktg iff (Homtoxt.
I think, if this or that were changed,
I could do better, and do more;
But is not every step arranged
By Thee, whom I adore?
That wisdom which can never fail,
That love whose depths can ne'er be scanned,^
E'en in its most minute detail,
My daily life has planned.
Then let me with implicit faith
In Thee confide, on Thee depend,
And say, " Choose Thou my hourly path,
E'en to the end."
^l|<rtt]}|t$ tif ^$1if{i$tl
I NEED no other plea
With which to approach to God,
Than His own mercy, boundless, free,
Through Christ on man bestowed ;
A Father's love, a Father's care.
Receives and answers every prayer.
69
'^Ihoitghta to (SLomioxt.
I need no human ear,
In which to pour my prayer ;
My Great High Priest is ever near,
On Him, I cast my care ;
To Him, Him only, I confess,
Who can alone absolve and bless.
I need no works by me
Wrought with laborious care.
To form a meritorious plea
Why I heaven's bliss should share.
Christ's finished work, through boundless grace
Has there secured my dwelling-place.
I need no prayers to saints.
Beads, relics, martyrs' shrines ;
Hardships 'neath which the spirit faints,
Yet still, sore burdened, pines ;
Christ's service yields my soul delight.
Easy His yoke, His burden light.
I need no other book
To guide my steps to heaven,
Than that on which I daily look,
By God's own Spirit given ;
And this when He illumes our eyes,
" Unto salvation makes us wise."
70
^hottght0 io dDomfffrt.
I need no holy oil
To anoint my lips in death;
No priestly power my guilt to assoil,
And aid my parting breath;
Long since those words bade fear to cease,
"Thy faith hath saved thee, go in peace.'!
I need no priestly mass,
No purgatorial fires,
My soul t' anneal, my guilt to efface.
When this brief life expires ;
Christ died my eternal life to win.
His blood has cleansed me' from all sin.
I need no other dress,
I urge no other claim.
Than His unspotted righteousness ;
In Him complete I am ;
Heaven's portals at that word fly wide,
No passport do I need besi'de.
^It^ ^Ilfrbtiati IjJa^ftiiHf*
'* Be sober, be vigilant ; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion,
walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."— i Pet. v. 8.
Warrior ! the foe is stirring and a-field,
While thou art slumbering, he is broad awake ;
Thou who art pledged to conquer, not to yield,
Shouldst, ere the dawn, thy calm precautions take.
And reconnoitre all the hostile lines ;
A battle must be fought this very day :
Oh choose thy vantage ground^thwart his designs,
Prepare to meet his terrible array !
His eye is fixed on each unguarded spot ;
There, at thy weakest point, he aims his force ;
He plans thy ruin, plans and wearies not,
To wiles and stratagems will have recourse.
Is this a time for slumber or for sleep ?
Is this a time for sloth's enticements bland ?
Now, when thou'rt called unceasing watch to keep,
And wait the onset, standing sword in hand.
^ (Sffitg in the J^ight
Christian ! thy Ufe is but a brief campaign ;
Though hardships, conflicts, perils must be shared,
Fear not to meet them — transient is the pain,
The victory certain — the reward prepared.
% ^%n h M $i$lt
' Looking unto Jesus." — Heb. xii. -.
Jesus, my Saviour ! look on me.
For I am weary and opprest j
I come to cast my soul on Thee :
Thou^ art my rest.
Look down on me, for I am weak;
I feel the toilsome journey's length ;
Thine aid omnipotent I seek :
Thou art my strength.
I am bewildered , on my way ;
Dark and tempestuous is the night;
Oh shed Thou forth some cheering ray !
Thou art my light.
73
^ ^tritg in the Jligkt.
Why feel I desolate and lone?
Thy praises should my thoughts employ;
Thy presence can pour gladness down :
Thou art my joy.
When the accuser flings his darts
I look to Thee — my terrors cease —
Thy cross a hiding-place imparts :
Thou art my peace.
"Vain is all human help for me ;
I dare not trust an earthly prop;
My sole reliance is on Thee :
Thou art my hope.
Full many a conflict must be fought,
But shall I perish, shall I yield?
Is that bright motto given for nought,
"Thou art my shield?"
Standing alone on Jordan's brink
In that tremendous, latest strife,
Thou wilt not suffer me to sink :
Thou art my life.
Thou wilt my every want supply
E'en to the end, whate'er befall ;
Through life, in death, eternally.
Thou art my all.
74
%. |fa«ttt $i ft^h^.
Lord of the moufatains, and the hills !
Lord of the rivers, and the vales !
Thy glory all creation fills ;
Thy goodness all creation hails !
While these Thy works delight our eyes,
So rich, diversified, and fair,
Let praise within our hearts arise,
Let gratitude be glowing there.
Let Spring's fair promise, Summer's charms,
jYutumnal beauties, full and free,
Each Wintry hearth Thy kindness warms,
Awake the song of praise to Thee.
Let the first blush of rosy light
Call forth the consecrated strain !
Let silvery stars and moonbeams bright
Wake the sweet melodies again !
While noontide zephyrs, breathing balm.
Waft the rich scent of plant and flower.
Let praise 'mid adoration's calm.
With the heart's incense fill the hour.
i;hc iath of the Just.
Let childhood's voice to Thee direct
Its morning hymn, its evening thought ;
Let manhood's ripened intellect
To praise Thee all its powers devote.
And oh, when we have past away,
When all our generation sleep,
Let those we train take up the lay.
And with heaven's choir sweet concert keep !
%\t failt *f ill* Ittst
' The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more
and more unto the perfect day."
I VIEW an upward path of light,
Winding round many a beauteous height.
And rising, rising still ;
Till that resplendent spot be gained,
By mortal footstep ne'er attained ;
Zion's celestial hill.
76
Wxt Jfottittaitt.
Those who from thence the prospect hail,
First drop mortality's dark veil,
And angel robes put on ;
We, who have loved to track their way,
Just view them catch the ethereal ray ;
But while we gaze, they're gone.
Still they have left a golden lin6
Of heavenly radiance, which will shine
Long, long to memory's eye ;
Bidding us tread the path they trod
E'en till we share their bright abode,
Their pure felicity.
^%t ^ifMUil{*
' In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David
for sin and for'unqleanness." — Zec/i. xiii. i.
There is a fountain deep and pure.
Forth from the riven rock it flows;
A healing spring and lasting cure
For all terrestrial ills and woes.
IThf Jfotttttain.
Thither, each morning, leave I crave
To take my feeble sin-sick soul-
Emerging from that cleansing wave
Unspotted, vigorous, glad, made whole.
When faint with noon-day toil and heat,
For comfort thither I repair ;
Around it all is calm and sweet.
Rest and refreshment greet me there.
And when the shadowy veil of night
Across the dewy earth is spread,
And the pale moonbeam's silvery light
Soft o'er the silent stream is shed;
Oh then, in that serenest hour.
My purest, holiest joys are given ;
Sin, sorrow, Satan, lose their power,
Around me breathe the airs of heaven.
That Holy One Who deigned to heal
One sufferer by Bethesda's pool.
There, while beside the fount I kneel.
Himself draws near and makes me whole.
Thrice blessed fountain ! when I reach
The source from whence thy waters flow.
Then shall I praise, in fitter speech,
That love to which such joys I owe.
78
^ l|^jjitait<ni ui 'ftm^*
" The secret things belong unto the Lord our God."
Deui. xxlx. 29.
O God, my God, these aching thoughts control.
Still the deep restless yearnings of my soul, '
In endless mazes of conjecture lost,
Bewildered, bafifled, wearied, tempest-tost,
Striving in vain those clouds to penetrate,
Which hide my future, my eternal state.
Check these tumultuous thoughts, so strong, so wild ;
~ Let me not be by Satan's snares beguiled ;
The things revealed alone belong to man ;
Why strive deep hidden mysteries to scan?
"Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;''
Lord ! as a little child I fain would be.
My restless soul ! what do those thoughts avail ?
Why strive to pierce the impenetrable veil?
Alas ! thy faith amounts not yet to sight !
How should the finite grasp the infinite ?
How should an atom on this earthly ball
Search out the great First Cause. God over all?
79
^ Jttciiitatiflit anb ^rager.
This present life is but my infancy ;
Even the objects which around I see
Are full of secrets, still but little known,
Though earth's six thousand years some light have
But all beyond, vast, vast eternity, [thrown.
Is veiled from man, an undiscovered sea !
None has returned from that mysterious bourne ;
Millions have passed away, and those we mourn
Are living somewhere, but we know not Where ;
Faith only tells what blessedness they Share ;
And its bright lamp, hung o'er the gulf of night,
" Brings life and immortality to light."
They fell asleep in Jesus, they are blest;
This must suffice me, on this truth I rest ;
But the bright marvels of that unknown Shore,
As yet 'tis not permitted to explore ;
But yet a little while and I shall know
(For God has said it) what I know not rlow.
"A meek and quiet spirit," this I ask;
Fulfilling daily my appointed task;
Sitting, like Mary, at the Master's feet.
Aiming at nothing high, at nothing great ;
Content from Him all knowledge to receive.
Nor seeking more than He is pleased to give.
8a
^ki $n is ai %ui]
Poor fainting spirit, still hold on thy way,
The dawn is near !
True, thou art weary ; but yon brightening ray
Becomes more clear.
Bear up a little longer — wait for rest —
Yield not to slumber, though with toil opprest.
The night of life is mournful — but look on —
The dawn is ixear !
Soon will earth's shadowy scenes and forms be gone,
Yield not to fear 1
The mountain's summit will, ere long, be gained.
And a bright world of joy and peace attained.
"Joyful through hope" thy motto still must be;
The dawn is near !
What glories will that dawn unfold to thee !
Be of good cheer !
Gird up thy loins; bind sandals on thy feet;
The way is dark and long, the end is sweet.
8j G
^ttttriif4 nA f ptttatfi
■ My soul followeth hard after Thee."— Psa/m Ixiii 8.
I LOOK to Thee ! I hope in Thee !
I glory in Thy name !
I make Thy righteousness my plea,
Thou all-atoning Lamb !
Methinks e'en death yfiW welcome be,
That I, through death, may pass to Thee.
Though now but " darkly through a glass "
Thy beauty I behold,
E'en the faint image I can trace
Fills me with joy untold;
May I but catch one glimpse of Thee,
None, none beside I ask to see.
" Thou art my portion," saith' my soul.
My all in earth or heaven ;
None but Thyself can make me whole,
No name but Thine is given
At which the gates of pearl fly wide —
The passport of the justified.
©tttoarl) anb Eptoarb.
I know Thy voice — I strive to keep
Thy Word within my heart;
Though the most worthless of Thy sheep,
Still Thou my Shepherd art;
Firm as a rock that word shall stand,
None, none shall pluck me from Thy hand.
"Without repentance are Thy gifts;"
This thought my hope sustains.
In deep distress my soul uplifts,
When sin the victory gains ;
My faith, though weak, shall never fail ;
Thy prayer shall e'en for me prevail.
When I Thy glory shall behold,
And see Thee face to face,
Sheltered in Thy celestial fold,
"A sinner saved by grace,"
What will it be Thy love to adore,
Assured I shall " go out no more ?"
83
^(joujitij \t[ %D\n,
And does my parting hour draw nigh,
And is the horizon veiled in gloom,
Still I look lip — and smiling say,
" Soon, soon, the Lord will come.''
Faint not, my soul ! though toils and pains
Oppress thee now (the captive's doom),
Soon thou wilt cast away thy chains.
Soon, soon the Lord will come.
Let not my eyes with tears be dim.
Let joy their upward glance illume ;
Look up, and watch, and wait for Him —
Soon, soon the Lord will come.
Soon will that star-paved milky way,
Soon will that beauteous azure dome,
Glories, ne'er yet conceived, display —
Soon, soon the Lord will come.
Changed in the twinkling of an eye.
Invested with immortal bloom,
I shall behold Him throned on high,
And sing, "The Lord is come!"
Jfear got.
One beam from His all-glorious face
These mortal garments will consume,
Each sinful blemish will efface —
Lord Jesus, quickly come !
What will it be with Thee to dwell.
Thyself my everlasting home !
Oh bliss — oh joy ineffable !
Lord Jesus, quickly conje !
fm %u
' Bg ngt afraid ! only believe.''
Why, why art thou so fearful,
O thou of little faith ?
Why faint, desponding, tearful,
Forgetting One who saith —
" Let not your heart be troubled.
Nor let it be afraid;"
The charge repeated, doubled.
Enforces what He said,
ss
J^ar £iat.
Each dark and threatening presage
Fulfils His sacred word;
Each judgment bears His message,
Death, pestilence, the sword :
He over all presideth,
Withdrawn in light serene;
Each wheel minutely guideth
Of earth's immense machine.
And still, though skies are darkening.
His children must not fear ;
To those sweet accents hearkening,
Which whisper, " He draws near."
My soul, in Him confiding.
Thy rock, thy hiding-place.
Beneath His wings abiding,
Wait thou to see His face.
To herald His appearing.
These awful signs are sent;
These storms the skies are clearing;
Soon will the veil be rent :
Then, with His saints surrounding
Him thou hast long adored.
Will thy sweet harp be sounding,
" For ever with the Lord."
^ i\imiix[^ $a«ttt*
Calm was the hallowed night !
Valley and "mountain height
Slumbered in shade ;
Roofed by heaven's azure fair,
Making their flocks their care,
Shepherds, in open air,
Tranquilly stayed.
Suddenly round them shone,
Dazzling to look upon.
Splendours of light ;
Then drew an angel near.
And, to allay their fear.
Poured on their ravished ear
Words of delight !
Ne'er, since the world began,
Music so sweet to man
Sounded abi^oad;
On that auspicious morn.
Changing our state forlorn,
Christ as a babe was born,
Jesus the I^ord !
8?
Jl QLhxxsimns ^S'^n.
Well might the tidings told
Waken your harps of gold,
Chorus unseen !
Sweet rang your minstrelsy,
"Glory to God on high!"
" Peace on earth," amnesty,
" Good will towards men ! "
Well might the shepherds haste,
Ere yet the night was past.
That thing to see ;
Where light the meteor shed
Well might the Magi tread.
Joyful, the path that led,
Saviour, to Thee !
Infant of Bethlehem !
Now do I seek, like them.
Thy mean abode ;
There in Thy strange disguise
Thee do I recognize,
Maker of earth and skies,
Almighty God !
Mysteries so deep deter ^
Nature's proud reasoner,
Scorning God's word s
^ Clkristmaa ^smn.
Thee, whom the Father seals,
He to Thy seed reveals ;
Each to this mandate kneels —
"Thus saith the Lord."
"Wonderful, Counsellor!"
Thee whom the Virgin bore,
Thee I receive ;
God e'er the world began,
Perfect God, perfect man-^
Mystery too deep to scan —
This I believe.
Lo, at Thy feet I lay,
Giving myself _away.
All that is mine;
Treasures I none unfold,
Frankincense, myrrh, or gold.
One sinful heart behold,
Take it for Thine.
Father! Thy love I bless.
Who in our deep distress
Gavest Thy Son !
Saviour ! I Thee adore,
Spirit ! Thine unction pour ;
Thee I praise evermore.
Great Three in One !
ttft'5 %t)mn& %m^
Sweet is life's evening hour !
The soul looks calmly back
O'er all the varied track,
Passed through in comfort or in pain;
In sunshine now, and now in rain;
And thinks a few rough stages more
Will land her on that peaceful shore
Where, by no weariness opprest,
She will enjoy an endless rest.
Sweet is life's evening hour !
Its business and its toil.
Its bustle and turmoil,
"The heat and burden of the day;"
These have for ever passed away.
That holy calm succeeds
The fainting spirit needs,
Meekly, in peace, by faith and prayer,
For its last conflict to prepare.
Sweet is life's evening hour !
What though the enfeebled frame
Some anxious thought will claim;
9°
Cife'a €b£njng '^oux.
Dearer each day becomes the hope,
Firmer its ground, more wide its scope,
That soon a wondrous change.
More glorious e'en than strange.
This frame will suddenly transform,
And make it like the Saviour's form.
Sweet is life's evening hour !
The Christian's steadfast eye
Fixed on the sunset sky,
Behind those crimson clouds of gold.
Sees brighter, lovelier scenes unfold ;
Through the still air he hears
Sounds from those upper spheres.
Which make him long to flee away,
And burst the encumbering bonds of clay !
Sweet is. life's evening hour !
The tranquil contrite breast
In simple faith doth rest;
Grasps the salvation full and free.
Wrought out by Christ eternally
He, in his last long sleep.
His child will safely keep;
And when the eternal dawn shall break,
Oh ! to what rapture will he wake !
^$ tfj< iJasstnu ^ppU
Ransomed spirit ! heavenward hasten !
Death's rough hand will soon unfasten
All thy bonds of clay !
Now its radiant shores discerning,
O'er thy native country yearning,
To thy Father's house returning,
Wing thy homeward way !
Relatives and friends immortal
Wait beyond that gloomy portal,
Thy release to hail.
Now thy term of exile over.
Angel forms around thee hover.
Waiting till thine eye discover
All "within the veil."
O'er thy sorrowing ffiends thou grievest ;
God will comfort those thou leavest;
God will be their stay !
Brief will prove their sad privation,
Glorious love's bright consummation ;
There, where comes not separation,
Spirit ! haste away !
^i{(t fttt^t 4<*ttt(tta,
Hebrevia xi. 16.
Oh yes ! there is a land of light !
One where the Sun no more goes down ;
Wherein there shall be no more night,
Where darkening skies no more shall frown ;
And when this earth so dark appears,
Onward I look, and dry my tears.
Oh, yes, there is a land of peace !
No jarring sound can there intrude ;
There discord and contention cease ;
Those crystal walls all strife exclude !
And when earth's tumults pain my ear,
I smile and say " That land draws near.''
Oh, yes, there is a land of life !
Where glorious forms around the throne
No longer fear the dying strife —
Suffering and death are there unknown.
When here death's ravages I see,
Oh ! how I long away to flee !
i;he i;kDiUijltt 3onr.
Oh, yes, there is a land of love,
Where mind with mind, and heart with heart,
Such sympathy, such oneness prove.
As this low state can ne'er impart :
And when for love like this I yearn.
Thither my longing eyes I turn.
Oh, land of light, peace, life, and love,
Sweet is the thought that I, ere long.
Shall to thy blissful scenes remove.
And shine thy glorious forms among.
Saviour ! I look to that bright home.
And wait and long to see Thee come.
^\lt ^ttrtlitlftt |{intf.
The twilight hour is come,
The hour for musings sweet ;
For breathings towards a heavenly home.
For calling back the thoughts that roam,
Whicli earth's low trifles cheat :
94
Ihe Itoilight ^ottr.
Oh ! may the Holy Spirit's power
Hallow and bless the twilight hour !
The day is past and gone !
The sun has run his round !
All nature's course has hastened on;
Earth, sea, and sky their task have done,
Faithful has each been found.
How has my soul pursued her track?
Have I gone forward, or gone back?
My God ! throughout this day
Tliine eye has watched my heart !
Has marked each footstep of my way ;
And now its penetrating ray
Seems through my soul to dart;
Discovering the dark depths within,
And many an unsuspected sin.
What progress can I trace ?
What growth in faith and love ?
What urgent cries for quickening grace ?
What strenuous toil to run the race?
What grasp of things above?
Ah ! lukewarm praises, languid prayers,
Betray a heart oppressed with cares.
|)j3mn for the #ctD fear.
My loins have not been girt,
My lamp has not been bright;
My soul, unwatchful, weak, inert,
Has failed such efforts to exert
As draw down life and light ;
No spur to others has been given,
No fragrance shed that breathes of heaven.
O Thou whose cleansing blood
Forms my sole hope and plea,
Down to that renovating flood
Where guilt is lost and strength renewed.
With contrite faith I flee;
Now let its healing, quickening power
Stamp value on this twilight hour.
|ant« fn titt t'i^ !*»»
I TAKE my pilgrim staff anew.
Life's path, untrodden, to pursue.
Thy guiding eye, my Lord, I view;
My times are in Thy hand.
96
5j)rttn for the J^eto ^ear.
Throughout the year, my heavenly Friend,
On Thy blest guidance I depend;
From its commencement to its end
My times are in Thy hand.
Should comfort, health, and peace be mine.
Should hours of gladness on me shine,
Then let me trace Thy love divine ;
My times are in Thy hand.
But should'st Thou visit me again
With larigour, sorrow, sickness, pain,
Still let this thought my hope sustain,
My times are in Thy hand.
Thy smile alone makes moments bright.
That smile turns darkness into light;
This thought will soothe griefs saddest night,
My times are in Thy hand.
Should those this year be called away
Who lent to life its brightest ray.
Teach me in that dark hour to say,
My times are in Thy hand.
A few more days, a few more years, —
Oh, then a bright reverse appears.
Then I shall no more say with tears,
My times are in Thy hand.
97 H
§aturbat! Jlight.
That hand my steps will gently guide,
To the dark brink of Jordan's tide,
Then bear me to the heavenward side ;
My times are in Thy hand.
^stutftfag ^ijjljt.
" God requireth that which is past." — Eccles, iii. 15.
My fleeting days glide on with noiseless haste,
"A shadow that departeth," I go hence;
Another week, its term of service past,
Points to its follower, waiting to commence.
Each comes in silence, leads me on my way
A little farther, then the task resigns.
They note the hours, the moments of their stay,
To Him they tell them who their post assigns.
There is a book which no erasures blot ;
A register of weeks, and days, and hours ;
He who records them faints nor wearies not.
His mind no multiplicity o'erpowers.
9S
%he mUh lijjkt.
And when the books are opened at the last,
That secret volume shall unfolded be;
And then the history of each moment past,
Whilst there I stand, th' assembled world shall see.
^u '^iu fttfm.
Sweet Spring walked forth, young flowers h^r path-
way traced.
Green wreaths with silver buds adorned her hair ;
The gay road-side bloomed Jike a garden fair.
With primroses and violets interlaced.
I plucked a handful, and with eager haste
Sought to inhale the violet's perfume rare.
Alas ! the form, but not the scent, was there —
More sheltered bowers its lovelier kindred graced.
Is there no moral whispered? Are there found
None with the Christian's name, who gaily shine.
Resembling plants trained up on holy ground.
But, like this flower, Who breathe no scent divine ?
Not on the world's broad road can grow such flowers
As Piety trains up in her blest bowers.
99
Ilitgifv Of lilt f <tlg ^\miU
Holy Spirit ! mighty God !
Send Thy glorious light abroad,
Through each chamber of my soul,
Bending all to Thy control;
All renewing, all transforming,
My whole mind to Christ's conforming :
What He values let me prize;
Let me all things else despise.
What did He of value deem ?
Did He this world's joys esteem ?
Wealth or grandeur, rank or fame,
Did He seek them, or disclaim?
Poor, despised, of humble birth.
Having not a home on earth ;
Gold or silver He had none.
Called not aught on earth His own.
Satan's empire to destroy
Was His object and His joy;
Heal the miseries caused by sin.
For His Father souls to win ;
|3ra]3cr to the D0I32 <Sptrit.
To the contrite peace to impart,
Binding up the broken heart ;
Pouring light upon the mind,
Vision on the inly blind.
Thus His mission to fulfil.
Thus to do His Father's will,
Was the only joy He sought;
Night and day for this He wrought.
Sowing seed each day with care.
Watering it each night with prayer;
And with Godlike love and power
Scattering blessings every hour.
Wondrous was the race He ran,
Marvellous His love to man !
Meek and lowly, though so great,
Washing His disciples' feet :
He, the holiest, did descend
To be called the "sinner's Friend;"
And to shame all human pride,
"Numbered with transgressors" died.
Blessed Spirit ! by Thee led,
In His footsteps let me tread ;
Seek the objects that He sought,
Labour for the souls He bought;
Jl oSlintjr (Sunset.
Pleasing not myself, but still
Doing all my Father's will ;
Growing more and more in love,
Till I see His face above.
^^fr-* ft —
^ iJ^tlttlfr ^tttt^ftt*
Dark clouds hung brooding o'er the cold grey sea,
And wintry blasts all mournfully swept by.
But in th' horizon, towards the western sky,
One spot like burnished gold appeared to be ;
An emblem glad, and beautiful to see :
For there the wave met day's refulgent eye.
And not one envious shadow lingered nigh,
Where poured his stream of splendour, full and free.
Christian ! this typifies thy life's dark stream.
Throughout its course o'erhung with many a cloud ;
While brief and fitful is the golden gleam.
That tells how bright a sun those vapours shroud ;
But when the wave reflects the setting ray,
A flood of glory melts each cloud away.
^\\t ^nh^tnl ^gntJt*
"All Thy works praise Thee; and Thy saints give thanks unto Thee."
I
Traveller on earth ! mark well its fabric rare,
So passing fair !
Survey its leafy aisles, its towering dome;
Let thine eye roam ■>•
O'er all the beauteous colours there inlaid,
The star-embroidered tracery displayed.
Then listen to its choir — their matin song
So sweet, yet strong !
And when the sun declines and day grows dim,
Their vesper hymn !
While soft responses woods and waters make.
As gentle winds their sweet low voices wake.
Nor wants there fragrant incense, heavenward borne
Both night and morn.
From dew-decked flowers, earth's habitants unstained,
\^^lo pure remained
When fell that blight the moral garden shares ;
Of Eden telling, each his censer bears.
103
JjlclD ^ear'a €t)£.
Christian ! the priest of this ethereal fane
Mark not in vain
Its fair proportions, its melodious choir !
The altar's fire
Thy sacrifice must call for ; lowly bend,
Offer thy heart, then will the flame descend.
Watchers unseen, from the upper Temple sent,
listening attent,
Stand mid the leafy arches, till thoti grace
The foremost place,
And lead the choirs, and make its songs to be
An echo of its own sweet minstrelsy.
^^ttt \t^'% %^\^
I SATE in silence listening
To the retreating year;
I heard its latest hour take wing —
A shrouded Form stood near.
Pointing to time's fast narrowing shore.
And whispering " Soon 'twill be no more."
£i£ia gear's
I felt alone and desolate,
And all looked dark around;
My thoughts were like a heavy weight,
Which on my heart seemed bound :
I mused on life's ephemeral span.
And sighed " O miserable man ! "
The past, in mournful retrospect.
Awoke my griefs and fears;
The present no fair colours decked;
I viewed it' through my tears :
Sickness and sorrow, pain and death.
All closed me round and choked my breath.
But then, though faintly, fearfully,
I sought the throne of grace;
Full oft had light and hope for me
Beamed from that hallowed place;
My heavy load of thought and care.
My sins, my griefs, I took them there.
Oh blessed, blessed antidote
For every mental woe !
Which hushes each distracting thought
The human heart can know!
At once a heavenly light stole o'er
That scene so dark, so sad before!
los
^hc £itm.t nhobz £ba-jj #am£.
That ocean, dark and shadowy,
On which I feared to gaze,
Soon, like a golden sunset sea.
Shone with a thousand rays;
And One appeared its waves to span,
"Whose form was like the Son of Man.''
He spoke with voice so musical,
As quite entranced the ear;
"Thy sins," He said, " I bore them all-
They cannot reappear;
And earth is clouded, o'er for thee,
That thou may'st long to be with Me.''
fAlt ]|latt|« nhifvt j^tfng ^mt.
' The name of the Lord is a strong tower."
Thou, through whose all-prevailing name
I urge my every plea and claim,
The Holy One, the Just !
Jesus ! Thy name's mysterious power
Shall guard me through life's dangerous hour.
And be in death my trust.
io6
%\u ^ame abobe fbex-jj Jilamc.
Oh, precious name ! my tower of strength,
My resting-place, through all the length
And toil of life's rough way;
When vexed with cares, oppressed with woes.
Still, still in Thee I find repose.
On Thee my soul I stay.
Thou brightest,, dearest, holiest name
Of Him unchangeably the same.
My Hope, my Shield, my All !
Be Thou my song, my theme, my boast.
Till, with His coundess ransomed host.
Low at His feet I fall.
Thou art the burden of heaven's song.
The theme of all the saintiy throng
Enthroned in realms of light ;
To Thee each golden harp is strung.
Thy praise by each sweet voice is sung,
With ever new delight.
Name above every name be Thou,
That to which every knee shall bow,
Each human heart shall bless !
Jehovah ! Jesus ! tune each voice
In Thee, Thee only, to rejoice,
" The Lord our Righteousness."
^(Hff| ^litwftiti
" 1 will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my
help."— Z'^. cxxi. I.
When earth's supports and comforts fail,
When shadows lengthen o'er the vale,
When those who loved us fall asleep,
And leave us still to watch and weep ;
Then grasp the hope so freely given,
Then turn from earth and look to heaven !
When still where'er the eye is cast
It meets a lone and dreary waste,
And, stripped of all its Summer leaves,
Life's wilderness thy spirit grieves ;
Then to Faith's eye new worlds are given :
Oh turn from earth and look to heaven !
His hand whose guidance cannot err,
Thy Father, Saviour, Comforter,
He, whom thine heartfelt praises bless,
Guides, guards thee through the wilderness ;
And hourly cordials shall be given,
Till earth shall be exchanged for heaven !
4ft* %^k 4<nnf(fH4tl
Holy Comforter ! my Guide !
Now within my heart abide;
Nothing do I need beside;
Fill my soul with light.
Each celestial truth reveal ;
Christ's rich treasury unseal;
Thine indwelling let me feel,
Fount of pure delight !
While a little longer space
Here my lonely path I trace,
Pour within rich streams of grace ;
Form a garden there.
Then, though all around may be
But a wilderness for me.
Sheltered from its dearth by Thee,
All things will seem fair.
While Thou deign'st my heart to bless
With Thy presence, Thy sweet peace.
Can I pine in loneliness?
Can I wish for more?
lOg
^ke ^olg (Eomioxtn.
No ! Thou Comforter Divine,
If Thy fellowship be mine,
Earthly converse I resign,
Fondly prized before.
Life was for this end bestowed,
To acquaint myself with God :
Oft the loneliest pathway trod
Nearer leads to Him.
Guide into all truth ! be Thou
My Divine Instructor now;
Be my views no longer low.
Indistinct and dim !
Rend the darkening veil that shrouds
Those bright scenes above the clouds ;
Show me those serene abodes
Where " is no more night."
Where the Father and the Son,
With Thyself for ever one.
Shed from the eternal throne
Everlasting light.
Then will all the shadows here
Lose their charms, and disappear,
Lost in that resplendent sphere
Opened to Faith's eye.
'^h& £ie\ix Jerusalem:.
Quickened by its glorious ray
I shall hasten on my way,
Till I drop these bonds of clay
And to Jesus fly.
^-..J^iaf^«-*-lJ^ —
i;it« '^m |f«ftt$al4ttr,
Jerusalem, blest city of our God !
How oft the pilgrim's thoughts on thee repose,
While turning from life's conflicts, toils, and woes,
He looks afar to thy, serene abode !
Then, strengthened and refreshed, pursues his road.
While Faith exults and Hope with ardour glows;
Joyful he hastens on, for soon he knows
Abundant entrance will be there bestowed !
He mourns not that his intervals of rest
Are here so short, so broken, and so few ;
Nor yet, that when he fain would build his nest,
A hand unseen yet " stirs it up " anew ;
" Jerusalem," he cries, " while here I roam.
Be thou my spirit's rest, her only home."
^)U((laa '4^<»^'iti«ii.
Sabbath of rest, all hail !
Sweet pause from earthly care !
When the glad soul expands her wings,
Forgets terrestrial thoughts and things,
And breathes a purer air;
Attunes her lyre
To that blest choir
She hopes ere long to join, whose themes her notes
inspire.
Sabbath of rest, all hail !
Fair type of future bliss !
Who comest like an angel sent
To charm each week of banishment,
Passed in a world like this ;
To urge the soul
To reach the goal,
Where glory's fadeless wreath will all her griefs
console.
iSunbas Jftorning.
Sabbath of rest, all hail !
Day of discourse divine !
When He who once to Emmaus walked
With those who thought on Him, and talked,
Draws near with love benign ;
To Faith's clear eye.
Seems very nigh ;
His glory deigns to unveil — His word to ratify.
Sabbath of rest, all hail !
Come thou, and set me free
From earth's entanglements and cares,
From sin's deceits, from Satan's snares !
Let every sound
I breathe around,
With heaven's own choral song in unison be found.
Lord of the Sabbath ! Thou
Whose smile all joy inspires;
Disclose the brightness of Thy face !
Reveal the riches of Thy grace !
Fill all my soul's desires :
Her quickened ear,
With filial fear.
Words of eternal life now waits from Thee to hear.-
^Ij^ ^9tt ifi ^ifi{tifm.
Dost thou complain of sorrow ? Look on Him !
His visage marred, His eye with suffering dim;
The load of unknown agony He bore
Forced out great drops of blood from every pore.
Sharest thou His sorrows ? Oh ! how small a part !
For God's rebuke did even break His heart.
Dost thou complain of want ? Thy Lord, thy Head,
Was meanly lodged, was coarsely clothed and fed ;
He hungered and was thirsty ; faint with heat ;
He walked from place to place with weary feet ;
What couch of rest was His who came to save?
A manger, first, -^a cross,- — and then a grave.
Dost thou complain of coldness, slighting, scorn ?
Look on thy Lord, deserted and forlorn !
Who had such right devoted love to expect,
Yet met with such unparalleled neglect ?
E'en in His bitterest grief no friend was given.
Denied alike all help from earth and heaven.
'Mhe Jftan ai ^orroiog.
Dost thou complain of shame and deep disgrace?
Look on thy sinless Lord, and hide thy face !
Stripped, crowned with thorns, scourged, spit on, set
To trial as a malefactor brought, — [at naught,
Then crucified with thieves, in public view,
The death of vilest criminals the due.
Dost thou complain of that worst evil, sin, —
And mourn its deep defilement spread within ?
Lay thy sick soul beneathT that cross one hour,
The deadly venom loses there its power —
A stream flows theAce which, though of crimson glow.
Makes the polluted soul as white as snow.
Dost thou complain of agonizing pain ?
Behold that cross ! Behold it not in vain !
View those racked limbs, that torn and bleeding brow,
Hark ! from that tortured Form what accents flow !
Prayer for His murderers' pardon ! words of balm.
His mother's anguish to console and calm !
Dost thou complain because thou soon must die?
Look on thy Lord, nor dread the parting sigh !
He' drank the bitterest potion death ere gave,
And to a bed of rest transformed the grave : — -
In death, in life, in want, pain, guilt or grief,
Look to that cross, there seek and find relief.
u^ ml
* Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.'
Mourn not for those who die !
If suffering nature, sad and weak,
Must shed the tear and heave the sigh,
Wouldst thou the well of comfort seek ?
Mourner ! thy lost ones live on high !
The Father has but called His own;
Bend thee, and say, "Thy will be done !"
Mourn not for them !
Mourn not ! they are not dead !
No, they have burst the galling chain
That bound them to this dungeon world;
Their souls with their Redeemer reign,
Love's banner o'er them floats unfurled !
For ever and for ever blest
Are they who in their Saviour rest ;
Mourn not for them !
Mourn not ! they live for aye !
Death's stingless shafts in vain are cast,
And vainly yawns the grave's deep gloom ;
The tyrant's shadowy reign is past,
^he ^mptur«0.
Burst the dark barriers of the tomb !
Sin dies in death ! all sorrow dies !
To endless bliss the ransomed rise !
Rejoice for them !
^\^ ^itipt^^i,
There is a wondrous volume, on whose page
Shines heavenly truth in characters of light,
For ever lasting and for ever bright,
Immutably the same from age to age;
Its light is life. Philosopher and sage
Dwell on its charms with reverence and delight.
When from earth's film their intellectual sight
The Spirit deigns to cleanse and disengage.
All other volumes lose their zest and tire ;
But this, the more its treasures we unfold.
Exceeding far the costliest gems or gold.
Fill to the utmost all the soul's desire :
Wisdom to guide, and balm to heal, supplies ;
Enlightens, comforts, cheers, and satisfies.
1^ a ^tlifni s^tttrtij mt <m a |f<Jtttttt^a,
May heavenly guides attend thee !
May heavenly guards defend thee !
May heavenly influence send thee
Sweet themes for holy thought !
Though shades of night enfold thee,
That Eye will still behold thee,
E'en His who slumbers not !
No evil shall befal thee.
No enemy appal thee,
Bright messengers shall call thee,
Throughout the silent night.
To share their high communion.
Sweet pledge of future union
With sainted heirs of light.
No human voice may cheer thee,
No earthly listener hear thee,
But oh ! one Friend is near thee.
The kindest and the best !
Whose smile can banish sadness.
Whose presence fills with gladness
The solitary breast.
©aster ffit)£.
Thy God will go before thee,
And day and night watch o'er thee,
And safely soon restore thee
To thy loved home in peace;
Nor will His care diminish
Till life's long journey finish,
And toils and dangers cease.
ut^t mt.
Holy Slumberer, rest in peace !
Now Thy toils and conflicts cease ;
Now the glorious victory won,
Death and Satan overthrown.
Soon will burst the exulting strain,
" Worthy is the Lamb once slain ! "
We are watching round Thy tomb;
Angel wings flit through the gloom.
And the blissful morn draws nigh
When, through earth, and air, and sky,
Shall the wondrous news be spread —
"flhrist is risen from the dead!"
119
5aUxrto£l! §lccp.
Happy those who saw Thee then;
"Fairer than the sons of men •"
Happy those to whom 'twas given
To behold Thee rise to heaven !
We a blessing, too, receive,
"Who, not having seen, believe."
Saviour of once ruined man !
Sealed is the stupendous plan :
On its bright, triumphant close
Firmly all our hopes repose.
Oh ! to feel each day, each hour,
More Thy resurrection's power.
|jan<ntti|d ^u^.
Oh, what a tranquil, hallowed sleep
Is theirs whom Christ doth safely keep !
Whose dust His angels guard !
Oh, what a waking will be theirs
When all the glories He prepares
Shall be their bright reward !
^aUotaeb §kzf.
They will awake in beauty clad,
In immortality arrayed;
Strength that can ne'er decay;
Awate to such a life of bliss
As, in a troubled world like this.
Fancy can scarce pourtray.
Awake to be for ever freed
From all those barriers that impede
Our growth and progress here ;
Freed from that heaviest weight of all,
Sin's taint, transmitted from the fall,
Its power no more to fear.
But more, far more they will awake
Their Saviour's likeness to partake,
His presence to adore;
His voice to hear. His smile to meet,
His praise' unwearied to repeat.
When time shall be no more.
Who then shall fear to fall asleep,
Who for those happy spirits weep
Who now in Christ are blest?
Ah, rather let us long and pray.
And haste towards that blessed day,
When we shall share their rest.
It Mm^.
' I go to prepare a place for you.'
" My home, my home, my happy home ! "
Yes ! there is music in the words —
And the sweet sound, while here I roam.
Thrills my rapt spirit's deepest chords : —
Thither, full oft, I lift my eye, —
My happy home, for thee I sigh !
" My home, my home, my happy home ! "
Can I the phrase too oft repeat?
'Midst scenes which sin has tinged with gloom,
Traversed in pain, with weary feet !
Oh no, to heaven I lift my eye,
"My home, my happy home!" I cry.
" My home, my home, my happy home ! "
How many loved ones, there at rest,
Wait for the blissful hour to come.
When the desires which fill my breast,
All, all shall consummated be.
My home, my happy home, in thee !
^0r ihz Jfirst .Sttttbag of a J^eto ^car.
" My home, my home, my happy home ! "
Dwells He not there whom most I love?
My country lies beyond the tomb ;
My heart is given to one above :
Oh death, I even long, through thee,
My home, my happy home to see.
i<nt i\'^ t^»t ^mku u! a %m ^uv,.
Welcome, sweet day of holy peace !
When earth a hallowed spot appears ;
Its toils and cares and tumults cease.
And heavenly souilds delight our ears.
Welcome, sweet day of bounteous grace !
When from their unseen sources flow
Streams which refresh this de,sert place.
And bid the flowers of Eden blow.
Welcome, sweet day of boundless love !
When, as man communes with his friends,
The God of glory from above
His saints to visit condescends.
Jfor the Jfirst ^unbag ot a J^eta ^tar.
Welcome sweet day of faith divine !
When on the precious "Corner Stone,"
Simply recumbent, they recline,
Fixed and built up on Him alone.
Welcome, sweet day of joyful hope !
When the winged soul from bondage freed.
Can give her boundless wishes scope,
And on celestial banquets feed.
Welcome sweet day of heart-felt praise !
When, mingling with immbrtal choirs.
We blend with theirs our grateful lays.
To Him whose love their harps inspires.
Welcome, sweet day of fervent prayers !
When our High Priest His word fulfils ;
Our names upon His breastplate bears,
For us His golden censer fills.
Thrice welcome, day of converse sweet !
For those whose hearts breathe love to Him
While all His goodness they repeat,
Bright glows the flame earth's vapours dim.
Sweet Sabbath ! first-fruits of the year !
Its opening bud, its dawning ray !
Be thou its type, its emblem dear;
Be its whole course one Sabbath day !
^}lt ^Utt\ l$K ^8jriHttif$$*
" Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.*
Prov. iii. 17.
Where is happiness, oh where ?
Breathes she not the mountain air,'
Where the wild thyme scents the breeze,
And enchanting prospects please?
No, oh no !
Bending low.
In a tranquil spot withdrawn,
Greeting thus ,the golden dawn ;
There I caught her radiant smile.
There she tarried for awhile.
Treads she n6t the classic halls,
Where the light of science falls
On the lore of years gone by.
Solving truth's deep mystery?
No, oh no !
Whispering low
In a chamber, small but neat,
Soothing pain with comfort sweet;
There I caught her radiant smile,
There she tarried for awhile.
•;i
%ht §£ar(k fax ^a^jpitujia.
Seeks she not the banquet bright,
Splendid rooms lit up at night;
Gay with mirth and music sweet,
And the merry dancers' feet?
No, oh no !
Soft and slow
Reading words of truth divine.
Pondering o'er each sacred line j
There I caught her radiant smile.
There she tarried for awhile.
Seeks she ne'er the crowded mart,
There to take a busy part
In the schemes of high emprise.
Which to fame and affluence rise ?
No, oh no !
Here below
She but seeks one jewel rare.
One rich pearl absorbs her care ;
When she finds it, mark her smile !
Heaven seems opening the while !
Shuns she, then, the joys of earth?
Dreads she cheerfulness and mirth?
She is called " a serious thing ; "
Glooms and shadows does she bring?
^ke mnv. the lirttth. ml the pfo.
No, oh no !
Brightly glow
On her garments, on her brow,
Lovelier hues than earth can show;
But from heaven is caught her smile,
Here she visits for awhile.
^ft« "f itg, tli« ^xni% 8tt4 tkt %iit.
I CANNOT wander far astray;
For Thou, my Saviour, art " the Way ;"
I know no perfect way beside,
I know but one unerring guide.
My soul, while this blest path I tread,
By no false lights will be misled;
Thy doctrines satisfy the heart —
My God, "the Truth" itself Thou art.
That heart Thou deignest now to share,
Thou'rt formed " the hope of glory " there ;
Soon I shall quit this world of strife,
And feel in death Thou art "the Life."
8 Jt^rytttq*
A VOICE beloved thus spoke of late
In sad yet chastened tone —
" My heart at times is desolate.
"I feel alone."
I looked upon that loved one's brow,
And read the traces there
Those who have suffered leam to know
Of grief and care.
Though now the storms have passed away,
Enough remains to mark
That life has been a wintry day,
Stormy and dark.
So stands some tempest-riven tree,
Its fairest branches gone;
It ne'er what once it was can be
Ere storms came down.
Yet, mourner, though tears filled my eye,
And dimmed my thoughtful gaze,
I looked on thee rejoicingly.
And gave God praise.
'^0 a JEffnm^r.
What though thine earthly hopes are crushed,
Thine earthly wishes crossed,
Those voices sweet in silence hushed
That cheered thee most :
Does not a voice more cheering still
New hopes, new joys impart?
And thoughts of holiest power instil,
To heal thy heart?
Hast thou not meekly learned to bow,
With acquiescing love.
To Him whose hand has brought thee low,
His love to prove?
Does not thy faith strike deeper roots?
Blest who that faith possess !
Are there not formed the peaceful fruits
Of righteousness?
Gh, yes ! the process I behold,
And joyfully admire,
Through which thou wilt come forth as gold
Tried in the fire.
Concealed from man the dross may lie,
Now with the metal mixed;
But on it the Refiner's eye
Is calmly fixed.
®n a ^eparteJ) Jfmttb.
Nor will He leave (this thought is joy)
The gold He thus refines,
Till in it, pure from all alloy.
His image shines.
^rt a l^pH^il ^ti^tti
j^ES, she was very lovely ; soft, serene ;
A heavenly impress rested on her brow ;
Methinks I view her sweet pale features now,
As on her sister's arm she loved to lean ;
While in her whole demeanour there were seen
Meek resignation, love's seraphic glow.
And faith, which, when earth's hopes were all laid low,
Could look, rejoicing, to a happier scene.
Blessed is thy sweet memory, much-loved saint,
Precious to all who shared thy converse here ;
As the pure gold, when purged from dross and taint.
Shows the Refiner's likeness, mirror'd clear,
So, from the furnace coming forth, in thee,
'Twas ours thy Lord's reflected traits to see.
'^tt m ]j(t» fw tttt fas km\ttlh
Let me go : for the day now breaketh,
Let me go where the heart ne'er acheth, —
Where not one the cup of woe partaketh,
But the weary are at rest.
Let me go where the strength ne'er faileth,
Where the blighting curse no more prevaileth,
Where the serpent's sting no more assaileth,
Where nor foe nor fear molest.
Let me go : for my spirit fainteth
To dwell in that world no evil tainteth,
To look on the vision no pencil painteth,
Which no mortal eye hath seen.
Let me go : for my heart is weary,
Around me the Wintry gloom is dreary,
But the summer in heaven is bright and cheery,
And the deep blue sky serene.
Let me go : for the best and dearest,
The treasures who once to my heart were nearest,—
Whose love was the fondest, best, sincerest,
They are all gone before.
On ,§an:£l) ^ttuaii.
I feel upon earth a lonely stranger,
Compassed with sorrow and care and danger,
Amid wastes and wilds a trembling ranger :
Let me go to a fairer shore.
Let me go. The glad word is spoken —
The golden bowl at the fount is broken ;
Loosed is the silver cord, in token
That my task is done below.
Let me go — to the God who sought me.
To the Saviour whose precious blood hath bought me.
To the heavenly Guide who hath cleansed and
taught me,
Oh, let me, let me go !
^it ^^ttA ^itsif
It is said that the exile who chances to hear
In the land of the stranger his own native tongue.
Or some strain that in childhood delighted his ear.
Though he listen with rapture, yet weeps o'er the
song.
132
On ^aaeb Jttastc.
For then what bright visions appear to his view !
What scenes of enchantment rise quickly around !
The land where the first breath of freedom he drew,
His home, his loved kindred, he seems to have
found !
But though sweet the delusion, not long can it last :
In a moment the lovely deceptions are flown:
With the sounds that produced them too quickly
they passed.
And the exile still finds himself sad and alone.
And is not the Christian an exile on earth?
And is not sweet music the language of heaven,
Of that land whence the spirit received her high birth,
And from whence the bright grant of her freedom
was given?
And thus, while he listens to anthems of praise,
Or some soft-stealing melody falls on his ear.
Those regions of joy he in spirit surveys,
And seems the sweet song of the ransomed to
hear.
Nay, he seems to have entered that haven of rest.
To have bidden farewell to temptations and woes ;
Already he joins the bright bands of the blest,
Already partakes their eternal repose.
^ ,Simik.
But the charm is soon broken ; the sounds die away ;
No mandate, as yet, is sent down of release :
He mourns to perceive still so distant the day, -
When his sufif'rings and labours for ever shall
cease.
That day of delight, when, an exile no more.
His country, his home, his loved friends he regains.
Tunes his harp to the chorus oft longed for before,
Where "sorrow and sighing" ne'er blend with the
strains.
^ ^'mH
Once on a cloudy, wintry day
I marked a beaiiteous golden ray
On the waves' rippling surface play,
As swift it glided on ;
The cold grey water changed its hue;
O'er it the sun his mantle threw;
Its gentle course more radiant grew,
A track of light it shone.
^tanzas for a JfrienD in §orrotu.
Sun of my soul ! my life would be
Like that cold wave, untouched by Thee !
Thus shine 'midst wintry gloom on me,
Thus make my darkness light;
Moving with calm yet lustrous force,
Though winds and storms swell wild and hoarse,
Make Thou my onward, heaven-lit course
Still to the end more bright !
^mm$ pui tt fmd in ^mm.
It must be so ; the feeling heart must oft receive
a wound ;
Must often be compelled to part from those it
twined around :
It must be- so ; life's shadows still must lengthen
o'er our way,
And darkness those bright places fill, where shone
joy's sunniest ray.
It must be so ; the hopes of youth, the schemes
gay fancy wove, [prove;
The fictions we believed as truth, must all delusive
135
§tanza0 fax a Jfrimb in ^crrotD.
And e'en in manhood's riper day, with wisdom for
our guide,
The prop selected for our stay oft proves a reed
when tried.
It must be so; our hours of bliss, like a sweet
April gleam,
Just smile on such a world as this, then vanish like
a dream ;
Hope's Iris, with its beauteous braid, melts in the
clouds it wreathes ;
Joy's roseate flower begins to fade, e'en while its
fragrance breathes.
It must be so ; the friends beloved, who cheered
life's earlier day,
By time estranged, by death removed, pass one by
one away;
Till oft, ere half its sands can fall, we look around
and sigh —
" How many now my tears recall whose smile once
blest my eyes ! "
While o'er the heart these changes come, and man,
earth's transient gwest.
Learns that the soul has here no home, no seat of
tranquil rest;
136
(Stanzas tax a JfrienI) in ,S«rcoto.
Then whither turns that eye, now dim with disap-
pointed hope ?
Asks he fair Truth to draw for him her heavenly
horoscope ?
Alas ! too oft he turns to Grief; calls back enjoy-
ments past,
Lives o'er again those moments brief, too blest, too
bright to last;
Forgets that bitters marred the sweet, and thorns
the flowers, e'en then ;
Feels that his sun of bliss has set, and twilight days
remain.
Or if from Grief he pass away, to seek a sterner
guide,
Philosophy ! he courts thy sway, thy loftier code is
tried :
But Reason the firm mind may win, and nerve its
high resolves,
While on its axis, dark within, the restless heart
revolves.
'Tis braced and disciplined, not healed ; its wounds
are stanched, not cured ;
These moral anodynes but yield calm midst the
pain endured :
137
<Stan^s0 fox a ^xitnt in §oxxo\a.
Not this the kind result designed by Him who,
from above,
Thus breaks each tie too strongly twined, that we
may seek His love.
E'en as the bird " stirs up her nest," to make her
nurslings fly.
He here forbids us to find rest, towards heaven to
raise our eye :
The sunshine is from earth removed, that heaven
more bright may seem.
The heart denied what most it loved, till there He
reign supreme.
Then all around a light is shed, which ne'er will
fade away;
More radiant grows the path we tread, e'en " to the
perfect day;"
Each wound is healed, each want supplied, joys
given which leave us never ;
The heart's deep longing satisfied, and satisfied for
ever !
138
f« m $uh ^i^Ut
Scarcely has one bright sunbeam shone,
Or vernal zephyr waved its wing ;
Yet is thy fragrance round me thrown,
Sweet child of spring !
'Mid leafless shrubs, on the cold earth,
Rises thy soft and beauteous form,
Familiar, even from thy birth,
With many a storm.
There, blooming in thy lonely bed,
Enfolded in thy mantle green.
Thy solitary sweets were shed.
Unknown., unseen.
Yet, could the balmiest breath of May
To thee one added charm have lent ?
Could brighter tints thy leaves inlay,
Or sweeter scent?
'Tis often thus ; the richest flowers
That in the soul's fair 'garden blo,7,
Are nurtured by rough winds and shoWers,
'Mid scenes of woe.
^umtntr ffibening bg the ^eaiiiic.
When earthly joys lie all entombed,
And life looks desolate and drear,
Then first hope's heavenly flower has bloomed.
The heart to cheer.
Nay, thus in Sorrow's wintry day
The soul herself, 'mid blast and storm.
Gains beauties which joy's summer ray
Will rarely form.
Nor shall one blast around her blow,
One storm on her fair blossoms beat.
But shall a lovelier hue bestow,
A scent more sweet.
^mnm %n^lm h 1% ^mik,
Radiant and fair smiled ocean, sky, and strand ;
Only to live, and gaze on them, seemed bliss !
The rippling silver waves stole on to kiss.
As if in sport, the smooth and glittering sand ;
Soft blew the southern breezes, freshening bland ;
While in the west, -sheeting with gold th' abvss,
%o the ^[iglttittgab.
The sunset showed a lovelier world than this,
And tipt each sail, like skiffs from fairy land.
A fulness of delight my soul o'erpowered —
And, while with thrilling ectasy I gazed,
Methought, if o'er this earth such charms a:
showered,
Oh to what heights of rapture will be raised
Each spirit destined for that pure abode.
Where, throned in glory, dwells the triune God!
t(f Utt $i$){t{ttijalif.
Sweet chantress ! from every blossoming tree
There is wafted a song of rejoicing and glee;
Midst the mirth and the music I listen for thee,
But thy melody charms not my ear.
When the sun shall descend, and the blossoms all
close.
When darkness and stillness shall usher repose,
Oh then, while the night-breeze refreshingly blows,
Thy song from afar I shall hear.
'^hi ^x)ur id ^rajjer.
Sweet chantress ! a beautiful emblem thou art,
Of the pure and devoted and tranquillized heart,
When, from early turmoil and intrusion apart,
It holds converse with regions above;
Beneath that blue concave, so peaceful and bright,
Sweet symphonies break on the silence of night ;
, While angels bend down, with approving delight,
Taking part in the anthems they love.
ik^
%<^^ of ^umi
My God ! is any hour so sweet.
From blush of morn to evening-star.
As that which calls me to Thy feet, —
The hour of prayer?
Blest is that tranquil hour of morn.
And blest that hour of solemn eve.
When on the wings of prayer up-borne,
The world I leave !
142
'oThe ^crar ot ^rager.
For then a day-spring shines on me, '
Brighter than morn's ethereal glow;
And richer dews descend from Thee
Than earth can know.
Then is my strength by Thee renewed ;
Then are my sins by Thee forgiven ;
Then dost Thou cheer my solitude
With hope of heaven.
No words can tell what sweet relief
There for my every want I find,
What strength for warfare, balm for grief,
What peace of mind.
Hushed is each doubt ; gone every fear ,
My spirit seems in heaven to stay:
And e'en the penitential tear
Is wiped away.
Lord ! till I reach yon blissful shore.
No privilege so dear shall be.
As thus my inmost soul, to pour
In prayer to thee.
S/. Luke xxii. 6i.
Oh ! it is ever thus. That Eye benign
Beams on the soul with tenderness divine,
E'en ere the wanderer owns that he has strayed,
E'en ere the penitent has wept or prayed ;
And when that look, that pitying look is felt,
The softened heart in contrite grief will melt,
Mourn that against such goodness it has striven,
And "love Him much" who has so "much for
given."
The Saviour changes not, but now sends down.
E'en from His glorious mediatorial throne.
Whence all our wandering footsteps He can trace.
The same sweet tokens of forgiving grace.
Oh ! let the trembling and desponding mind.
That "broken spirit" which He loves to bind,
Dwell on each proof of tenderness He gave.
Nor doubt His willingness to heal and save !
Not e'en the fondest love a mother knows, —
The warmest in a human breast which glows, —
No loftiest, best conception we can raise.
E'en the faint outline of His love portrays.
^hc i^aang §zliebet's l^xwgzx.
Poor, doubting mourner ! yield not to thy fears ;
Each tear He numbers, and each sigh He hears ;
And though, like- Peter, thou hast wronged thy Lord,
Like him, thou mayest be pardoned and restored.
For thee thy Saviour's prayer may yet prevail;
True faith in Him, though weak, shall never fail ;
But lead thee, in His strength, henceforth to prove,
Through life, in death, thy gratitude and love.
^Ij^ ^jrttttjj ^tlUiftf$ 'fttuttil>
' Seek ye the Lprd while He may be found, call ye upon Him
while He is near."— y^a. iv. 6.
O God ! may I look up to Thee ?
I would address Thee if I may ;
And this my one request should be,
Teach me to pray.
Now, in my sorrow, I would ask,
•What thoughts to think, what words to say;
Prayer is a new and arduous task;
Teach me to pray.
145 L
©11 a §5tmng Jttnrning.
A heartless form will not suffice,
The self-deemed rich are sent away ;
The heart must bring the sacrifice —
Teach me to pray.
To whom shall I, Thy creature, turn?
Whom else address? whom else obey?
Teach me the lesson I would learn —
Teach me to pray.
Now, in my hour of trouble, deign
To bow my spirit to Thy sway ;
Now, let me ask Thee not in vain —
Teach me to pray.
To Thee alone my eyes look up,
Turn not, O God, Thy face away,
Prayer is my only door of hope-
Teach me to pray.
^ht a ^jttittjj ^(H'ttfrtfl,
Thou ! who art ever present, though unseen,
Amid these beauteous shades I feel Thee near :
I seem to stand beside Thee, and to hear
That voice which makes the troubled heart serene.
146
'She §vixe (^mb&.
I love to think Thou on this earth hast been,
And once in human form didst sojourn here,
Where still Thou deign'st invisibly to cheer
Each fainting spirit that on Thee would lean.
Oh ! while in hill and dale, and stream and flower,
With tearful joy Thy glories I behold.
On me display Thy wonder-working power !
Bid each long-dormant heavenly seed unfold ;
And while around woods, hills, and valleys sing,
Within my heart wake a celestial spring !
^1}^ |ttj[U fttiiif.
' And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and said, Surely the Lord
is in this place, and I knew it not !" — Gen. xxviii. 16.
Am I to this seclusion brought,
As wandering Jacob first was taught,
In solitude and woe.
To look on things before unseen,
And, in the stilly night serene,
His Father's God to know?
i;h£ ^ure (SuiiiE.
As alone and weary he was laid,
A wondrous ladder was displayed,
Reaching from earth to heaven ;
Ascending and descending there.
Angels (who perhaps made him their care)
To his charmed sight were given.
He felt that God was in that place,
He learned to prize and seek His grace,
And there before Him vowed —
"That if, through all his future track,
" He thither came, in safety back,
"The Lord should be his God."
Like him, a wanderer I have been.
And waking; in this lonely scene,
I feel that God is here ;
While, bright with supernatural ray.
Shines forth that " new and living way "
Which brings the sinner near.
Apart from man, in this still hour.
He, who might crush me by His power,
A covenant deigns to make ;
And if, supplying all my need.
He, to the end, my steps will lead.
Him for my God I take.
bonnet tff ike ^atp-.
If health once more He deign to give,
Then for His glory may I live,
May all to Him be given !
If not, while angels o'er me bend.
Those golden steps may I ascend
Which lead the soul to heaven!
^nm in i\t IfatJjt,
Poor tuneless harp ! I take thee to my Lord ;
Though all unmeet to offer at His shrine,
If He endue my hand with skill divine.
Sweet melody shall breathe from every chord;
And thou to that high use shall be restored
Which erst in sinless paradise was thine :
I lay thee at His feet, no longer mine;
The strings all mute till wakened at His word.
Oh ! thou wert formed in those unsullied days
When joy, love, innocence, attuned each lyre,
To blend thy music with celestial lays ;
And e'en my notes shall mingle with that choir,
If He, th' eternal soul of harmony.
Now, by His Spirit, deign to breathe on me.
|}rttaq iat ^uik*
' Christ shall give thee light." — Eph. v. 14.
Lord of all power and might !
Grant me that inward sight
Which views the things unseen ;
All earthly objects fade,
My life a fleeting shade.
Ne'er for one moment stayed,
Will soon have crossed the scene.
Each moment it moves on,
Still hastening to be gone,
Till, seen on earth no more,
I reach that unknown state
Where souls Thy sentence wait,
To fix their lasting fate.
And hope of change is o'er.
Now, while there yet is time,
While earth's brief day grows dim —
Darkened by pain and woe ;
Kindle that lamp of faith
Which can make bright my path,
E'en through the vale of death,
If thither now I go.
150
llJuiitgkte in ^cdnsion.
Man cannot wake the spark
In my soul's chamber dark —
Nor keep the flame alive;
Kindling Thyself the light,
Deign Thou to keep it bright^
Till, where is no more night,
In safety I arrive.
^Ijitttflljts in ^Hlnmt[f
',In the day of adversity consider." — Eccles, vii. T4.
Lord, by Thy hand withdrawn apart
From earthly things and outward scenes ;
What lessons wouldst Thou teach my heart?
What barrier break that intervenes?
Perchance to man my life has seemed
Blameless, defiled by no dark blot j
But blameless can that life be deemed
In which my God has been forgot?
'Shouijltt© iit §£d»0iun.
Is it Thy wanderer to reclaim,
That thou contendest now with me ?
Have I not missed life's noblest aim
As yet, not having lived for Thee?
How have my powers been misapplied !
How has a creature, bom to die,
Been borne along the impetuous tide
Of worldly care and vanity !
Truths heard of by the outward ear
I now discern, at least in part ;
" A still small voice " I seem to hear.
Speaking in mercy to my heart.
I boast of innocence no more ;
Guilty, yea guilty. Lord, I plead ;
My merits, trusted in before.
Now fail me like a broken reed.
Hard is that heart which ne'er has felt
The love of God to sinful man ;
Which has not learned to mourn and melt.
Pondering salvation's wondrous plan.
"Blest is the man Thou chastenest. Lord!"
Thus speaks the oracle divine ;
Now, on my heart let grace be poured",
And may that blessedness be mine !
%if m ^ad t\mimt{ m l(u ^Mtk^,
Now, pilgrim ! of thy journey home
But one short, stage remains;
And, brightening through the evening's gloom,
Across the distant plains
Methinks thine eye may catch a sight
Of that sweet shore of rest
Where friends are waiting, robed in white.
To hail the expected guest ;
Where every hope, yet incomplete.
Each unfulfilled .desire.
Fruition's plenitude shall meet,
Till bliss can rise no higher.
O ! did our hearts indeed receive
Faith in her power sublime.
The Christian would rejoice, not grieve,
To mark the lapse of time.
Nature may weep o'er life's short span
When forms we love decay :
Faith views the immortal inward man,
And wipes the tear away.
«53
Jl ^rajjcr at Jttilimgltt.
And when we feel we cannot now
Shelter one heart we prize
Fnom many a conflict, many a woe,
Or hush its secret sighs;
Then, as we see them onward borne,
By time's resistless flow.
To that bright shore where none can mourn,
Where glory crowns each brow ;
Should we not hail their nearer bliss.
When faith's sure hope is "given !
What means "advancing age" but this, —
The drawing near to heaven?
Celestial Spirit ! now, in this calm hour.
Thy meanest temple with Thy presence fill !
" I commune with my own heart, and am still,"
Waiting to feel Thy tranquillising power.
Darkness is around me ; but, like that pale flower *
* The night-blowing Ceres,
154
^kt Mmitxet's Return.
Which loves its vestal fragrance to distil
When other flowers are closed, on dale and hill,
Breathed but for him who trained it for his bower, —
Thus, blessed Spirit ! be it now with me ;
In this poor heart, Thy consecrated shrine.
Thy hand has formed and trained a plant divine,
Unseen, unknown, unnurtured, but by Thee :
Now by the hidden perfume Thou hast given
Exhaled, like incense sweet, and borne to heaven !
If* WttttJt4f4t'$ I*t«ti|>
' Before I was afflicted I went astray." — Ps. cxix. 67.
Light beams upon my inward eye,
New thoughts awake, new things I see ;
Is this "the day-spring from on high,"
Shining on me?
The God of love my soul has met ;
He gently draws me from above ;
And though I do not love Him yet,
■ I long to love.
i;h:e Wi&nhtxtr'zi fletarn. ,
My time of suffering and distress
Has proved His time of pardoning grace ;
Now, that He chastens but to bless
I clearly trace.
Earth's vanities my soul beguiled,
I never sought His will to know;
But to reclaim His wandering chUd,
He brought me low.
The past appears a feverish dream
Of folly, and insensate mirth,
And now the things eternal seem
Of boundless worth.
My soul, once dead, begins to move.
Roused by a Hand divine from sleep.
My heart, once cold, begins to love,
My eye to weep.
Lord, while this heavenly light is shed,
Which, while I gaze, seems still t' increase,
Shall not my wandering steps be led
To paths of peace ?
Light of the world ! Thou, thou hast shone,
With life and healing in Thy ray !
Now clear my path, and lead me on
To realms of day.
IS6
^if uA ^it( tt<r ^<nt^,
y^hn viii. II.
Speak, my Saviour, speak to me,
With divine effectual power —
Weeping, I look up to Thee —
Bid me "go and sin no more."
Thou art full of pardoning love,
Thou canst grant what I implore;
Now Thy pitying mercy prove,
Bid me "go and sin no more."
Thou upbraidest not Thy child ;
Deeply I the past deplore.
Now with gracious accents mild.
Bid me "go and sin no more."
Nothing can I see but sin,
It has tainted my heart's core ;
There it spreads, without, within.
Can " / go and sin no more ?"
'Tis for man too hard a task.
But Thou cans( my soul restore ;
Saviour ! this alone I ask —
Bid me "go and sin no more."
(Dit a Jr00t2 (Ebening.
Self-condemned — without a plea,
Guilty — lost — like her of yore,
Mine may her acquittal be !
Bid me "go and sin no more."
Oh, how blest will be that day
When, while I Thy love adore,
I shall never need to say,
Bid me " go and sin no more ! "
^n a ^tutt ^tftttitt!)*
When the dark mande of o'ershadowing night
Wraps in concealment all the world below.
With countless orbs yon azure vault doth glow,
In silence shining, beautiful and bright.
The midnight wanderer gazes with delight,
And feels his heart within him overflow.
" O ! what," he asks, "can day's broad sunshine show
To rival yon fair field of argent light?"
— 'Tis sometimes thus when sorrow's mournful shade
Darkens our path, and veils our prospects here :
^ke 3tbhm life.
Fair worlds, unseen before, are then displayed,
And in surpassing majesty appear;
For then to faith's uplifted eye 'tis given
To view the glories of a brighter heaven.
^ij^ %imi[ tiff
' Your life is hid with Christ in God."— Co/, iii. 3.
Oh ! there are some who, while on earth they dwell,
And seem to differ little from the throng.
Already to the heavenly choir belong.
And even here the same sweet anthem swell :
They joy, at times, with "joy unspeakable,"
Pouring to Him they love their heartfelt song;
While to behold Him "face to face" they long
As the parched traveller for the cooling well.
Ask you how such from others may be known ?
Mark those whose look is calm, their brow serene.
Gentle their words, love breathing in each tone,
Scattering rich blessings all around unseen.
They draw each hour, from living founts above.
The streams they pour around, of peace, and joy,
and love.
I'tflljt 9«d f a^iti(S!$»
'The Lord God is a sun and shield." — Psa. Ixxxiv. ii.
Oh ! if I walked by sight, not faith,
And could not view the things unseen.
Dreary, to-day, would be my path,
While round me wintry winds blow keen.
The driving sleet, the darkened air,
Look bleak and mournful to behold.
While this poor frame, though fenced with care,
Aches with the penetrating cold.
The glorious sun, whose gladdening beams
Make e'en the face of winter smile,
Now distant and un warming seems.
Nature looks cheerless, for a while.
Heavenward I turn, and then on me
Shines forth a warm, unclouded ray;
Sun of my soul ! 'tis shed by Thee,
I feel no more the wintry day.
Amidst th' external gloom Thy voice
Speaks words of comfort to my heart ;
Though weak, though lonely, I rejoice,
Such gladness does that voice impart.
i:h£ ^tiU ^mall loke.
It tells me of those mansions blest
Where Thou a place hast deigned prepare-
Where soon my soul shall sweetly rest —
Where winter never chills the air.
It tells me of that blissful state
Where there shall be no pain, no gloom,
Bids me a little moment wait.
Till Thou shalt come to take me home.
My Saviour ! through Thy love divine.
Which all has pardoned, all bestowed,
I say, e'en now, "All things are mine," —
I possess all things in my God.
pit ^mi ^mll f <rtf.f._
There is a Voice, "a still small Voice," of love,
Heard from above;
But not amidst the din of earthly sounds,
Which here confounds;
By those withdrawn apart it best is heard,
And peace, sweet peace, breathes in each gentle word.
i6i M
i;hc <StiU §maU ^oxce.
In the sick chamber, oft when none are near,
This Voice sounds clear;
Then o'er the wearied frame, the suffering bed,
Repose is shed :
Its whispers fall like balm upon the soul.
Each pang to soothe, each murmur to control.
Oft on the day of consecrated rest
This unseen Guest
Visits the lonely and sequestered room.
Dispels its gloom,
And pours such sacred melody around
That not an angel's harp more sweet could sound
In that appalling stillness which prevails
Where nature fails.
When naught is heard save the convulsive breath,
Struggling with death.
Then will this Voice of mercy gently break
That saddest silence, and of comfort speak.
V
Oh ! blessed then the sufferer, though he mourn.
To whom are borne
The gracious accents of this heavenly Guide !
None, none beside
Can calm the spirit, bend the opposing will,
And say, with Voice omnipotent, "Be still!"
^if i^ f tnJttittfl ^tttf.
Lovely star ! serenely shining
On my heavy tearful eyes,
Thou shalt check these thoughts repining,
And repress these mournful sighs ;
Let thy way be dark, or bright.
Still thou shedd'st thy silvery light.
Still thy heavenly track pursuing.
Rapidly thou hastenest on.
From that purer region viewing
This dark world thou shin'st upon ;
Passing o'er it but to lend
Light to gladden and befriend.
Thus, when clouds are passing o'er us,
Grief our spirits may subdue ;
But a race " is set before us,"
And, though faint, we must pursue ;
Lovely star ! our model be ;
May we shine through clouds like thee ,'
'63
i;xr a gS;iI)olu£l) Jricitli.
And, like thee, while freely lending
Light to all within our sphere,
To our unseen centre tending,
Swift as bright may we appear!
Then, when thy brief course is o'er.
We shall rise to set no more.
^t, tt ^Hm^H ^H^nl
Why dost thou haste so swiftly on thy way,
Like one whose company before is gone?
What is that steadfast eye so fixed upon.
Beaming, at times, as with a heavenly ray ?
Alas ! that mourning veil, that dark array,
Tell me that thou from bitter grief hast won
A disentangled heart, no longer prone
To make terrestrial things thy staff and stay.
What though thy cheek be paler, lone thy path.
What though, unseen, sad memory tears will shed,
Now thou wilt live indeed the life of faith.
Till thou shalt meet again thy "holy dead."
Oh ! if by grief such blessings here are given,
What "weight of glory" will be thine in heaven !
164
fa !«(> m t* i^ l^a^t^
Prov. xxiii. 26,
Feelest thou disquiet, care, unrest,
Scarce knowing why so sad thou art?
In God alone can man find rest :
Give Him thine heart.
Deem'st thou thy bosom's secret woes
Peculiar, fi-om all else apart ?
Thy case He intimately knows :
Give Him thine heart.
Oft doth the painful thought arise,
That slighted, misconceived, thou art?
God knows thee, loves, will not despise :
Give Him thine heart.
Sail'st thou alone o'er life's rough sea.
Without a home, a friend, a chart?
Thy friend, guide, haven, God will be :
Give Him thine heart.
Dost thou some hopeless sorrow feel.
Some wound from Death's unpitying dart?
Thy God will bind it up, and heal :
Give Him thine heart.
'^Ike Christian nznx hia ^ome.
Are there some griefs thou canst not tell,
Not to the dearest friends impart?
Thy God will understand them well :
Give Him thine heart.
Oh ! when without reserve 'tis given,
Wholly surrendered, every part.
There shines within the dawn of heaven :
Give Him thine heart.
^^ ^^thth^ nuii \h %$n^.
I SEE an aged man
Climbing the hill's steep side;
Long has he trod the pilgrim's way,
And now the sun's declining ray
Homeward his steps will guide.
A seat of rest
Among the blest
E'en now awaits in heaven the dear expected guest.
'Mht ^hxistimx near his ^ami.
His path is rough and steep,
More toilsome near its close :
The sky looks dark ; the winds blow keen :
The shadows lengthen o'er the scene,
And scarce a flowerlet blows :
The pilgrim's eye,
' Still fixed on high.
Sees brighter worlds appear, beyond the darkening
sky.
At times, indeed, he grieves-
For earlier days more blest ;
When on the wings of joy he soared,
And, with an eagle's strength, explored
The land of promised rest ;
But faith still shoots
Its downward roots ;
The blossoms pass ^way, but riper grow the fruits.
Ill could he once have borne
His present' toilsome path;
He feels no joy, yet murmurs not.
This hushes each repining thought,.
"While here, I walk by faithj'
He still can trace
A Saviour's grace, [face.
Though He appear far off, and seem to hide His
167
The heavenly prize he views,
And still maintains his ground ;
The steep ascent is hard to win,
And many a foe, without, within,
Strives to inflict a wound ;
Though closely pressed,
Hope cheers his breast;
For soon the strife will cease, the weary be at rest.
Pilgrim, the end is near !
Though faint, yet still pursue ;
When thou shalt gain the mountain's brow
A scene beyond conception now
Shall burst upon thy view;
Celestial air
Shall fan thee there.
And thou shalt bid adieu to toil, and pain, and care.
Then thou shalt fall asleep.
And angels waiting round
Shall waft thee to that blissful shore,
Seen dimly from afar before,
Where golden harps resound ;
Where souls set free
That Saviour see,
Whose smile is heaven itself: — that smile will beam
on thee.
j68
'^hifVt ih %UVit[t*
' As the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy
toward them that fear Him." — Fsa, ciii. ii.
I CAN gaze on that beautiful sky,
Fair work of the Saviour I love ;
Though the health is withdrawn, and the vigour
gone by.
With which once 'mid His works I could rove.
I can gaze on that beautiful sky,
And there in bright characters trace
That with mercy more great than that concave is high,
My soul He has deigned to embrace.
I can gaze on that beautiful sky.
That temple so worthy of Him;
While, the fabrics of earth seem to dwindle and die,
Compared with its glory sublime.
I can gaze on that beautiful sky,
And meekly rejoice in the thought,
That above it, in glory ne'er seen by the eye,
A mansion for me He has bought.
169
Jfsittt, gft ^ursaing:.
I can gaze on that beautiful sky,
And long the blue pathway to tread ;
There, with all His redeemed, to adore Him on high
For the blood He on Calvary shed.
I can gaze on that beautiful sky.
And rejoice that my Saviour from heaven.
In glory arrayed, will descend from on high.
While the clouds for His chariot are given.
I^aitti. a^i "Ittf^jttitt^*
My body is weary and weak.
My spirits are low and depressed ;
My Saviour ! Thy sheltering wings I will seek,
For there is my refuge and rest.
Some message of love I shall hear,
Some whisper to comfort my heart;
Some gracious assurance to banish my fear,
Some promise new strength to impart.
'ariu §ks.lark.
The night of my life is far spent,
Some streaks of the dawning I see;
Till the day-star arise and the vail shall be rent,
My mind shall be stayed upon Thee.
One blessing alone I desire,
The sense of Thy presence and love;
No more for my happiness. Lord, I require,
Or here, or in mansions above.
ih ^Uht\.
How sweet is the song of the lark as she springs
To welcome the morning with joy on her wings !
As higher she rises, more sweetly she sings.
And she sings when we hear her no more.
When storms and dark clouds veil the sun from
our sight.
She has mounted above them; she shines in his
light;
There, far from the scenes that disturb and affiight,
She loves her gay music to pour.
§h00zb are theg that 0iomn.
It is thus with the Christian : he sees, from afar,
The Day-spring appearing, the bright Morning Star ;
He quits this dark valley of sorrow and care.
For the land whence the radiance is given :
He sings on his way from this cloud-covered spot,
The swifter his progress, the sweeter his note :
When we hear it no longer, the song ceases not;—
It blends with the chorus of heaven.
^U$$4i( ^i i^t^ tljat ^fltti[it
I HEARD the voice of Love divine,
Addressing man, to trouble born ;
Saviour ! what accents then were Thine ?
"Blessed are they that mourn."
Again it spoke — •" Come unto Me
" Thou, with distress and labour worn,
" Rest and refreshment are for thee :
" Blessed are they that mourn."
'^lu £Xoon obzx the ,§£«.
I heard a voice in truth's pure word,
A saint, who sorrow's yoke had borne,
" Blest is the man Thou chastenest, Lord !"
"Blessed are they that mourn.''
I ^heard an angel voice proclaim,
Yon victors bright, whom crowns adorn,
" Through tribulation great they came !"
"Blessed are they that mourn."
Why should I then for sufferings grieve,
Since sorrow leads to joy's bright bourne?
Let me indeed the words believe,
" Blessed are they that mourn !"
^ft« ^<HH| tfifp i\i ^u.
Oh ! FIX on that beautiful planet thine eye ;
Observe her bright course as she travels on high.
And bears, like a vestal, her lamp through the sky.
Arrayed in her garments of light :
While pure and exalted her pathway she treads,
O'er the rough sea beneath her, soft radiance she sheds ;
Where'er she approaches, the darkness recedes,
Till, in beauty, she glides from our sight.
Jor £ieh} fear's gap.
Fair orb ! there are some in this world of our own,
Like thyself, who in light and in silence move on;
They walk in "white raiment," and calmly look
down
On life's turbulent ocean beneath :
The noise of its waves at a distance they hear ;
And, shedding soft light from their luminous sphere.
This region of darkness and sorrow they cheer.
And are beautiful even in death.
-9'^-j^^^<r-«'c —
^n $m l^q's $m
' What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward
me." — Psa. cxvi. 12.
I COME, my Lord, to offer up to Thee
A worthless but a willing offering ;
A heart where only evil I can see,
Yet not for that refuse the gift I bring;
Oh, deign to accept it — cast each evil out,
And make it pure and new within, without.
Jfor £ie^ feat's gaj..
I come, my Lord, to offer up to Thee
All it now suffers of distress and pain ;
It is Thine own ; work Thou Thy will in me ;
Let me not once resist it, or complain,
But meekly in my sufferings acquiesce.
Assured that Thou each pang wilt deign to bless.
I come, my Lord, to offer up to Thee
All that that heart can dictate or perform ;
Let Thy blest Spirit its controller be,
Let Thy pure love its every movement warm ;
And make that heart, once sin's defiled abode,
The holy habitation of my God.
I come, my Lord, to offer up to Thee
The brief remainder of life's fleeting span ;
Whate'er I have, or am. Thine own shall be.
Without Thee I will form no wish nor plan :
Time, talents, influence, actions, thoughts, and words,
All, all be unreservedly my Lord's !
I come, my Lord, to offer up to Thee
A creature made Thine own by every tie ;
Hast Thou not formed, preserved, and ransomed me ?
Oh, didst Thou not to pay my ransom, die?
Lord, at Thy feet my worthless self I lay,
Oh, never, never cast me thence away.
175
% $m%
I WALKED upon an unknown shore ;
A deep, dark ocean rolled beside :
Thousands were wafted swiftly o'er
That silent and mysterious tide.
Strange was the solemn scene, and new ;
My spirit sank with inward dread :
No voice proclaimed it; but I knew
Those were the regions of the dead.
It was no earthly light that shone.
Casting a shadowy gleam around;
Ne'er midst an earthly throng was known
Stillness so awful, so profound.
The only sound which met the ear, —
And sadly, heavily it fell, —
Was the dark billow rolling near.
With measured, melancholy swell.
I sought with anxious eye to trace.
Among the crowd that thronged the
The features of one well-known face,
Fondly beloved, and lately' lost.
The twilight gleam sufficed to show
Full many a face that once was fair,
Now marked with characters of woe,
The sad, sad impress of despair.
No words were needed to express
Whose tears of anguish fell too late ;
The dark fixed look of mute distress
Declared too legibly their fate.
Some have been lovely once on earth,
Caressed, applauded, loved, admired,
Endowed with riches, talents, birth,
Possessing all their hearts desired.
Those hearts, alas for them ! were given
To earthly pleasures, cares, and toys;
They found not time to think of heaven,
To seek imperishable joys.
Slowly I turned, with many a sigh,
From this sad spectacle of woe;
And soon I saw the beaming eye
Of her so fondly loved below.
She had but just been called away
From husband, parents, children, friends;
Yet in that eye there shone a ray
Of joy with which no sadness blends.
^ irtam.
A bright companion at her side
Looked on her with celestial love ;
Delighting her glad steps to guide
Towards the bright home prepared above.
Unseen I followed. It was sweet,
Oh, passing sweet, her voice to hear :
No earthly language could repeat
The sounds that then entranced my ear.
Swiftly we passed that gloomy shore ;
Darkness and clouds were all withdrawn :
And then a light, not known before,
Began upon our path to dawn.
With growing strength I saw her tread
Her upward, brightening, heavenward road,
With joy she lifted up her head.
To hail the city of her God !
As nearer to that world we drew,
Immortal fragrance filled the air ;
But soon the increasing radiance grew
Too bright for mortal sense to bear.
I only caught a distant glance
Of glories, never to be told ;
I saw a beauteous band advance ;
I heard them strike their harps of gold.
^ci ©lie §zxtnbd) ot manji |^elatib£0.
And then I lost her. — Faint and dead
I sank beneath the eternal beam.
The sights, the sounds, the glories fled :
" I woke, — and found it was a dream !'
^<t ^m "^iti^m^ ^^ W9»£ ^4atwi!S»
Thou hast laid up so- many treasures there,
Where there is no more sorrow, no more pain.
That I esteem thee rich in heavenly gain.
E'en by the loss of those who dearest were.
Oh, while thy deepest, tenderest thoughts they share,
When sad and desolate thou sighest in vain
Their voice to hear, their smile to meet again.
Pour out thy heart, pour out thy griefs in prayer !
That blest employ will re-unite thy soul
With those whose adorations never cease :
That hallowed intercourse each grief control,
And o'er thy bosom shed celestial peace ;
Though powerless human sympathy be found,
Sweet converse with thy God can heal each wound.
179
^tttij[titati«m*»
We gaily said, that when the Spring
Her opening buds and flowers should bring,
And happy oirds begin to sing,
We three would meet.
We planned full many a golden hour
Of bliss, within our favourite bower ;
And never thought a cloud would lower,
That bliss to o'ershade.
While thus we framed our fairy schemes.
Adorned with Hope's enchanting beams.
And smiled at Fancy's lovely dreams,
- And thought them true —
Death saw the visions Hope portrayed ;
The joys on Fancy's eye that played;
And cast, o'er all the chilling shade
Of his dark wing.
And now the scene, so bright before,
For us can never brighten more ;
Hope's fond illusions all are o'er.
And Fancy's dreams.
^nlinyationa.
And, if we meet in that loved bower,
No festive mirth will wing the hour ;
For every plant and every flower
Will wake our tears;
Will tell of her who loved to view
Each varied leaf, each beauteous hue ;
Whose smile such sweet enchantment threw
O'er all the scene.
When last we lingered, late and long.
Those moonlit woods and bowers among,
To woo the nightingale's sweet song,
She shared our joy.
Little we thought that when again
That bird should pour its plaintive strain,
For ?ier its melody in vain ,
Would charm the sense.
Little we thought, when next the Spring
Sweet flowers and happy birds should bring.
Those flowers would bloom, those birds would
Around her grave. [sing,
But hush ! ye sad repinings cease !
Her life was blest ; her death was peace !
And now her joys will still increase
Through endless years.
©jpitapk.
Her's is a fairer world than ours ;
She walks among unfading bowers ;
And higher joys and nobler powers
To her are given.
Indulge no more that rising sigh,
Turn not again thy tearful eye
To that sad spot where mouldering lie
Her loved remains :
They do but slumber in the dust ;
While angels guard their sacred trust
Till all the bodies of the just
In glory rise.
ifltitapli,
The lamb is gathered into that blest fold
Wliere dangers cannot enter, nor alarms,
Led by her Shepherd, carried in His arms,
She passed through earth, scarce tarrying to behold
The " waters still," which near her gently rolled
182
On the "green pastures," decked with flowery
charms ;
But though we thought her sheltered from all harms,
This damp terrestrial climate proved too cold.
Her Shepherd watched her drooping, and meanwhile
" The everlasting arms '' were underneath ;
Cheered by His voice, encouraged by His smile,
She reached the dark unfathomed gulf of death,
He hushed its waves : — then to His fold above.
Wafted safe o'er the object of His love.
^n a ^i»*tl4$$ %W itt fllt{m.
My Saviour! what bright beam is shed
Around my dark and suffering bed.
Though downy slumbers thence have fled?
It is Thy peace.
When the sad fear of future ills
My trembling heart with sorrow fills.
What balm sweet quietude instils?
It is Thy peace.
183
^fl ®n£ tolt00e Jttiitli toaa liisorliercti.
When awful thoughts of death's dark hour
Like gathering clouds around me lower,
What to dispel them all has power?
It is Thy peace.
When weary night and lonesome day
Cast mournful shadows o'er my way,
What then becomes my staff, my stay?
It is Thy peace.
If suffering be my lot below.
Lord ! till ray tears shall cease to flow.
In life, in death, one boon bestow !
It is Thy peace.
-- » ^,*bW5^^- — -
Mourner ! thy spirit was too finely strung
For the rude climate of a world like this :
And while it breathed its notes of love and bliss.
On which the listener's ear delighted hung.
And deemed that such to heavenly harps are sung,
Too suddenly did that sweet music cease : —
-"SEhe SHiliotoeii ^t&xt
Some angry blast the slender chords had wrung,
And changed its notes to murmurs of distress,
Mourner ! that " harp of thousand strings " was
framed
To breathe its music in a happier clime :
There shall its power melodious be reclaimed.
Though broken now, and tuneless, for a time :
Chords ever tuned, and ever strong be given.
And no rough wind the " new song '' mar in heaven.
,\\t IjliiUttr^il |(ilttt.
Is thine a widowed heart?
Each tie asunder torn ;
Does one sad wish alone remain,
Swiftly to travel till thou gain
The parted spirits' bourne?
Wouldest f/iou fain sleep
Where death doth keep
That slumbering form beloved, in delvbd chamber
deep?
i8s
%hi: Ittiictoeb geart.
Poor, bleeding, widowed heart !
Man's words less heal than probe ;
Not in man's pity canst thou find
Balm for thy wound, or power to bind ;
Still must it bleed and throb !
Friends pitying mourn.
Then sadly turn
To hide their fruitless tears, and looks that o'er thee
yearn.
Alas ! poor widowed heart,
What sorrows press on thee !
Each object that now meets thine eye,
Each hour that wearily goes by,
Remembrancers will be
Of joys all fled,
And smiles that shed [dead.
Bliss o'er that rifled heart, where all but grief seems
Poor desolated heart !
If yet some joy remain,
If in thy lonely path so drear
One lingering uncrushed flower appear
To bid thee smile again,
Who now partakes
The smile it wakes.
Or culling it for thee, of tenfold value makes ?
i86
'W.he SHibototb ^eart.
Alas ! poor widowed heart !
No signs thy grief express ;
No human eye beholds thy tears ;
No ear thy sob of anguish hears ;
In utter loneliness !
Calm, nay, serene,
Midst anguish keen, —
Thy deep, deep hidden wound by God alone is seen.
Alas ! poor widowed heart !
♦ The charms of infant glee,
Thy little ones' unconscious smiles,
Their prattled words and artless wiles,
Wake only grief in thee.
The eye they blessed.
The lip they pressed.
On them no longer beams, nor smiles, nor is ca-
ressed.
Alas ! poor widowed heart !
'What now will be thy stay ?
The staff so fondly leant upon,
Thy guide, thy counsellor, is gone.
For ever torn away !
Each link unbound
Which clasped thee round.
No second self for thee, left all alone, is found !
187
i:h£ fflibotDeb Icart.
For thee, poor widowed heart,
In vain sweet spring returns ;
The charm of vernal songs and flowers,
The joys reviving nature showers.
Touch not the heart that mourns ;
Or touch it so,
As wakes fresh woe
For one all darkly laid, this blooming earth below !
Yet, still, poor widowed heart,
Though desolate and sad,
The thought — thy mourned one ne'er can know
Thine own unutterable woe —
Almost might make thee glad !
The blest deplore
Earth's griefs no more;
And though thy joys are fled, thy loved one's tears
are o'er.
Poor broken, widowed heart.
To God disclose thy pain !
Earth yields no cure ; but Heaven has given
A balm for hearts bereft and riven,
A balm ne'er tried in vain :
That volume bright,
Where beams of light
Illume the Eternal Words, reveals it to thy sight.
^if it |)^f*av4 4ll^^*ti»« "^xknl
Mourner ! is thy heart still grieving,
Secret tears sad traces leaving,
Frequent sighs thy bosom heaving? —
Why dost thou weep?
Dost thou mourn those gone before thee?
Lost is not the love they bore thee :
They may now be watching o'er thee. —
Why dost thou weep?
Though thy path on earth be shaded,
Has not death left uninvaded
Worlds of bliss and joys unfaded ? —
Why dost thou weep ?
Hath not Christ thy sins remitted?
Will not thy glad soul, when fitted,
Into heaven be soon admitted? —
Why dost thou weep ?
Should the ills of life distress thee ?
Grief, care, loneliness depress thee?
With thy Saviour near to bless thee,
Why dost thou weep ?
^xa^tx to th£ (Sabicrar.
Ever near, to walk beside thee,
Near to counsel, guard, and guide thee ;
Say, can any ill betide thee? —
Why dost thou weep ?
pvagit isf i^t ^8vi<»tti[»
O Holy Saviour ! Friend unseen !
The faint, the weak, on Thee may lean :
Help me, throughout life's varying scene,
By faith to cling to Thee.
Blest with communion so divine.
Take what Thou wilt, shall I repine.
When as the branches to the vine
My soul may cling to Thee?
Far from her home, fatigued, opprest,
Here she has found a place of rest;
An exile still, yet not unblest,
While she can cling to Thee.
^ragcr i0 ihe <§abiflur.
Without a murmur I dismiss
My former dreams of earthly bliss ;
My joy, my recompense be this,
Each hour to cHng to Thee.
What though the world deceitful prove,
And earthly friends and joys remove j
With patient uncomplaining love
Still would I cling to Thee.
Oft when I seem to tread alone
Some barren waste with thorns o'ergrown,
A voice of love, in gentlest tone.
Whispers, "Still cling to Me."
Though faith and hope awhile be tried,
I ask not, need not aught beside :
How safe, how calm, how satisfied,
The souls that cling to Thee !
They fear not life's rough storms to brave.
Since Thou art near, and strong to save ;
Nor shudder e'en at death's dark wave ;
Because they cling to Thee.
Blest is my lot, whate'er befall :
What can disturb me, who appal,
While, as my strength, my rock, my all,
Saviour ! I cling to Thee ?
%o t^it\.
WRITTEN IN ILLNESS.
Come, holy Faith ! beside me stand,
With look inspired, with eye serene !
Unfold the bright celestial land,
The world unseen !
Pleasant was once the earth's pure air ;
With rapture on its scenes I gazed :
Yet not to Him who made them fair
My heart was raised.
E'en by the beauty of His works
That heart too oft was led astray :
Such danger unsuspected lurks
In Pleasure's way.
But now those charms no more delight ;
Earth's beauteous face is hid from me :
Still, holy Faith, in thy pure light
Much I may see !
I shall not sigh to breathe the gale
Perfumed with buds and flowers of spring.
If thy pure ray heaven's scenes unveil.
And near me bring.
zg2
?Bh2 ehonUi 1 Jear to ik?
A brighter sun will cheer my sky,
And make e'en this dark chamber sweet,
Than e'er in crimson canopy
Has risen or set.
And sounds more blest than song of bird,
Or rills and whispering boughs impart,
Shall in this silent room be heard,
And cheer my heart.
Ij^feS i\nU^ |*a| U iq?
I NEED not fear to die,
My Lord has conquered death; .
And He has promised to draw nigh
When I resign my breath.
His word is truth — on that I build,
Assured that word shall be fulfilled.
Sometimes I long to die!
My liest is stirred up herej
Earth's ties are few; I long to fly
To a serener sphere :
Where sin, and toil, and war shall cease;
And all be holiness and peace.
lltp ehouUi 1 Jear to '§u?
Why should I fear to die?
In that sweet home above
Are gathering all my family,
And all the friends I love;
Heavenward I look, and breathe the prayer.
Soon, soon their happiness to share.
Surely 'tis time to die !
My " threescore years and ten "
Are overpast, and oft I cry,
" How long, my Lord? Oh! when
Wilt Thou my ransomed spirit free.
And bid Thy child come home to Thee?"
Then, Saviour, let me die !
My sweetest moments here
Are those when, deigning to draw nigh.
Thou whisperest, " I am near."
And e'en from these bright glimpses given
I feel Thy presence must be heaven.
Oh ! when I come to die.
These glories let me see.
Ne'er grasped by human thought or eye,
Reserved in heaven by Thee ;
And show me, 'mid the parting strife.
That death is better far than life !
^U i^ni H $nt.
My God and Father, while I stray
Far from my home in life's rough way,
Oh, teach me from my heart to say,
"Thy will be done!"
Though dark my path and sad my lot,
I>et me " be still " and murmur not ;
Or breathe the prayer divinely taught,
" Thy will be done ! "
What though in lonely grief I sigh
For friends beloved, no longer nigh.
Submissive still would I reply,
"Thy will be done!"
Though Thou hast called me to resign
What most I prized, it ne'er was mine :
I have but yielded what was Thine : —
"Thy will be done!"
Should grief or sickness waste away
My life in premature decay ;
My Father ! still I strive to say,
"Thy will be done!" ■
195
Jloto \oz szz ihrmigh a Slass, Iiarklfl.
Let but my fainting heart be blest
With Thy sweet Spirit for its guest ;
My God ! to Thee I leave the rest :
"Thy will be done!"
Renew my will from day to day !
Blend it with Thine; and take away
All that now makes it hard to say,
" Thy will be done ! "
I Car. xi.i. 12.
As through a glass, half clear, yet half concealed,
I view those glories soon to be revealed ;
But who can comprehend, till he shall die,
What "life and immortality" imply?
A life without a want, without a tear,
Freed from our inward conflict and its fear;
Where none shall witness, none experience pain;
I strive to realise such life in vain.
And then that awful hour (on earth the last),
That strange, mysterious transit will be passed;
ig6
®tt Heabing ^fftne.
Will o'er the future cast its shade no more;
What will it be to feel that death is o'er?
Thou ! who hast oped once more those golden gates,
Closed by the sin of Adam, there awaits
The bright-winged form of Immortality —
There let her bid m£ welcome, when I die.
« %nnH mm.
This gracious promise, Lord, fulfil,
Now that I leave a home so dear :
My soul's sweet home is present still
If Thou art near.
Beneath Thy wings if I remain, ^
My home ! my hiding-place ! my rest !
Sheltered, and safe, and freed from pain,
My soul is blest.
Thy presence fills my mind with peace.
Brightens the thoughts so dark erewhile,
Bids cares and sad forebodings cease.
Makes all things smile.
©n ^Eabing l)om£.
This striking of my pilgrim tent
No longer mournful will appear,
If Thy reviving presence lent
The traveller cheer.
The spacious earth is all thine own ;
What land soe'er my steps invite,
That land Thine eye will rest upon
By day, by night.
I ask not health — I ask not ease,
I ask in Thee my rest to find;
To all Thy sovereign will decrees.
Be mitu resigned !
Guide every step where'er I go;
Dictate each action, word, and thought;
With those " fresh springs " from Thee that flow,
Let all be fraught !
If soon my sun of life shall set.
Still let me work, ere sinks that sun :
Nor mourn at last with vain regret
My task undone.
Link me with those who fear Thy name,
Whose zeal, and faith, and love shine bright.
And let them feed my lamp's weak flame
With their pure light.
§& not Jfaithk00, but §dubmq.
Whether again my home I see,
Or yield, on foreign shores, my breath,
Take not Thy presence, Lord, from me.
In life or death !
In Thee, my hiding-place divine,
Be rest throughout life's journeyings given,
Then sweeter, holier rest be mine
With Thee in heaven !
^-J!^-».J>^^iS2*^<-tl,—
1^ m iaijj{i4«, m ^t^rm
O FAINT and feeble-hearted!
Why thus cast down with fear?
Fresh aid shall be imparted;
Thy God unseen is near.
His eye can never slumber :
He marks _thy cruel foes,
Observes their strength, their number;
And all thy weakness knows.
^caning on her ^elobtii.
Though heavy clouds of sorrow
Make dark thy path to-day,
There may shine forth to-morrow
Once more a cheering ray.
Doubts, griefs, and foes assaiHng,
Conceal heaven's fair abode ;
Yet now, faith's power prevailing,
Should stay thy mind on God.
WRITTEN FOR ONE NOT LIKELY TO RECOVER.
Leaning on Thee, my Guide, my Friend,
My gracious Saviour ! I am blest ;
Though weary. Thou dost condescend
To be my rest.
Leaning on Thee, this darkened room
Is cheered by a celestial ray :
Thy pitying smile dispels the gloom —
Turns night to day.
flatting on htr §ilobzb.
Leaning on Thee, my soul retires
From earthly thoughts and earthly things;
On Thee concentrates her desires;
To Thee she clings.
Leaning on Thee, with childlike faith,
To Thee the future I confide ;
Each step of life's untrodden path
Thy love will guide.
Leaning on Thee, I breathe no moan.
Though faint with languor, parched with heat ;
Thy will has now become my own —
Thy will is sweet.
Leaning on Thee, midst torturing pain,
With patience Thou my soul dost fill :
Thou whisperest, "What did I sustain?"
Then I am still.
Leaning on Thee, I do not dread
The havoc slow disease may make ;
Thou, who for me Thy blood hast shed,
Wilt ne'er forsake.
Leaning on Thee, though faint and weak.
Too weak another voice to hear,
Thy heavenly accents comfort speak,
"Be of good cheer!"
3l£tttrn untcr thg rest, ® mji tScrtl.
Leaning on Thee, no fear alarms ;
Calmly I stand on death's dark brink :
I feel " the everlasting arms,"
I cannot sink.
IJdtti'H miif t\\i f^sJ, f ntg ^oitl
Oh ! when the exile views his home ;
The banished child his father's face ;
The traveller, long condemned to roam.
His native fields, his resting-place;
What sweet emotions fill the mind !
What joy, what blessedness they feel !
My God ! these joys are all combined
When at Thy mercy-seat I kneel.
Thou art my dwelling-place, my rest,
My Father, in whose smile I live :
All I desire to make me blest,
That smile alone can amply give.
§af£ flit the aihtv §iibe._
No longer now my thoughts I waste
On earthly things once loved by me ;
For sweeter, purer joys I taste,
My God, in communing with Thee.
|aU n tilt ifilitx ^Ht\
' The fear of death is fallen upon me." — Fsa. Iv. 4.
Oh, let my faith these tears control,
Still, still I dread the unfathomed tide!
What will it be to find my soul
Safe on the other side !
What will it be to hear that voice
Which bids each trembling fear subside?
In His sweet presence to rejoice
Safe on the other side !
To see His beauty, taste His love.
Be with His likeness satisfied ;
To know I ne'er can thence remove,
Safe on the other side !
.Safe on the aihet §iht.
To feel that all my bonds are riven,
This weary body cast aside,
To know that I. am safe in heaven!
Safe on the other side !
No death to fear, no cross to bear,
No more to hear His truth denied
To know sin cannot enter there :
Safe on the other side 1
To meet our loved ones " gone before ! "
To see them blest and glorified !
To know that we can part no more.
Safe on the other side !
All this, and joys so vast, so great.
As human thought ne'er verified,
Are laid up in that glorious states
Safe on the other side !
And yet with coward fears I shrink
From passmg through that gulf untried—
Oh! haste thee quickly, cross. the brink.
Safe to the other side !
Jesus ! Thou conqueror of death !
My hope, my shield, my guard, my guide.
Waft me. Thy sheltering arms beneath,
Safe to the other side !
^it«ttjj^t$ ^ » ^i|tij4aa*
Day before which I was not! day ordained
Life mortal and iihmortal to bestow !
First, that in which the soul for heaven is trained,
Then, that of glory, which no end shall know.
Day of my birth ! I welcome thee, and pray
Each year may lend new brightness to thy ray.
Day of deep thoughts and feelings ! when the past
Borne on the tide of memory rises dark.
And many a plank, and shivered sail, and mast
Tell of the storms that wellnigh wrecked my bark ;
Day of regrets and sorrows ! ■ welcome still !
There's medicine in the bitter they distil.
Day of high hopes and arduous resolves.
And kindling thoughts, which grasp things un-
attained.
When the fixed mind its history revolves —
All it has learned, felt, suffered, lost and gained;
And asks that deep within each lesson taught
May there, by Thee, indelibly be wrought.
fy the Peath-bel) of a Jfrieitli.
Day of bright retrospection ! when the soul
Swells high with gratitude for mercies showered,
Counts o'er the record, twelve brief months unroll.
But sinks beneath the summary, overpowered ;
Day of adoring thankfulness and praise,
To higher strains of love my spirit raise.
Oh be thou to me, each revolving year,
A monitor more welcome and more dear;
A heaven-sent messenger, glad news to bring,
And added swiftness to my spirit's wing ;
Pouring within, around a purer ray,
" Brighter and brighter to the perfect day."
*' He giveth His beloved sleep." — Psa. cxxvii. 2.
Lie down in peace to take thy rest.
Dear cherished form, no longer mine,
But bearing in thy clay-cold breast
A hidden germ of life divine,
Which, when the eternal spring shall bloom.
Will burst the shackles of the tomb.
206
the '§tnih-'be,'b oi a JJrienb.
Lie down in peace to take thy rest,
Unbroken will thy slumbers be,
Satan can now no more molest.
And death has done his worst on thee ;
Lie down, thy hallowed sleep to take,
Till clothed with glory thou shalt wake.
Lie down in peace to take thy rest.
We can no longer watch thy bed ;
But glorious angels, spirits blest,
Shall guard thee day and night instead ;
And when thine eyes unclosed shall be,
Christ in His glory they shall see.
Lie^ down in peace to take thy rest !
My eyes must weep — -my heart must mourn ;
But to the thought that thou art blest.
For comfort and for hope I turn;
Thou wilt not mark these tears that flow.
Sorrow can never reach thee now !
Lie down in peace to take thy rest 1
Let me betake myself to prayer,
Binding faith's corslet on my breast,
Lest Satan find an entrance there;
God gave — though now His gift He claim.
Still blessed be His holy name !
^gttttt f^J| a Jgittjj ^d*
While ceaseless love and ceaseless care
By all are fondly shown,
A voice within me cries, " Beware !
For thou must die alone."
That solemn hour is come for me,
Though all their charms I own.
When human ties resigned must be ;
For I must die alone.
Terrestrial converse now is o'er ;
My work on earth is done ;
And I must tread th' eternal shore,
And I must die alone.
But oh ! I view not now with dread
That shadowy vale unknown ;
I see a light within it shed :
I shall not die alone !
One will be with me there, whose voice
I long have loved and known :
To die is now my wish, my choice,
I shall not die alone!
208
|faaq f<Hf a |^p|ti«r litiifJt
Father ! when Thy child is dying,
On the bed of anguish lying,
Then, my every want supplying,
To me Thy love display !
Let me willingly surrender
Life to Thee, its gracious lender :
Can I find a friend more teftder?
Why should I wish to stay?
Ere my pulse has ceased its beating.
Ere my sun has reached its setting,
Let me, some blest truth repeating,
Shed round one parting ray..
Ere my chain's last link be broken.
Grant some bright' and cheering token,
That for me the words are spoken —
" Thy sins are washed away ! "
If the powers of hell surround me,
Let the accuser not confound me ;
All for which Thy law once bound me,
Thyself hast died to pay.
^rajjcr iox a departing spirit.
When no remedies availing,
Fiercer pangs my frame assailing,
Show that flesh and heart are failing.
Be Thou my strength and stay !
When, though tender friends are near me,
Their kind pity cannot cheer me,
And they strive in vain to hear me.
Turn not Thy face away !
When, each face beloved concealing,
Death's dark shade o'er all is steaHng,
Then, Thy radiant smile revealing.
Unfold eternal day !
When the lips are dumb which blest me.
And withdrawn the hand that pressed me,
Then, let sweeter sounds arrest me,
Calling my soul away.
Wien, in silent awe suspended,
Those who long my couch have tended,
Weeping, wish that all were ended,
Oh, hear them when they pray !
When my soul, no path discovering,
O'er my lifeless form is hovering.
Then with wings of mercy covering.
Be Thou Thyself my way !
^af^ iit ^^ithU
' My sheep hear My voice, and they shall never perish ; neither shall
any pluck them out of My hand." — yohfi x. aj, 28.
Clouds and darkness round about Thee
For a season veil Thy face,
Still I trust— ^and cannot doubt Thee, ^
Jesus ! full of truth and grace :
Resting on Thy words I stand.
None shall pluck me from Thy hand,
Oh, rebuke me not in anger!
Suffer not my faith to fail!
Let not pain, temptation, languor,
O'er my struggling heart prevail !
Holding fast Thy word I stand.
None shall pluck me from Thy hand.
In my heart Thy words I cherish,
Though unseen. Thou still art near;
Since Thy sheep shall never perish.
What have I to do with fear?
Trusting in Thy word I stand,
None shall pluck me from Thy hand.
^1{* |}^tf^|t ^^ttntitU,
'Let this mind be in you, whicli was also in Christ Jesus." — Phil. ii. 5
Ever patient, gentle, meek.
Holy Saviour ! was Thy mind ;
Vainly in myself I seek
Likeness to my Lord to find;
Yet that mind which was in Thee,
May be, must be formed in me.
Days of toil, 'mid throngs of men,
Vexed not, ruiBed not thy soul ;
Still collected, calm, serene.
Thou each feeling couldst control :
Lord, that mind which was in Thee
May be, must be formed in me.
Though such griefs were Thine to bear.
For each sufferer Thou couldst feel ;
Every mourner's burden share,
Every wounded spirit heal ;
Saviour 1 let Thy grace in me
Form that mind which was in Thee.
£iot mg toili, but ^hm^.
When my pain is most intense,
Let Thy cross my lesson prove :
Let me hear Thee, e'en from thence,
Breathing words of peace and love ;
. Saviour ! let Thy grace in trie
Form that mind which was in Thee.
pi nt fill ^»t ^^in^.
* Let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the
keeping of their souls to Him."— j Peier iv. 19.
O God ! from whom my spirit came.
Moulded by Thee, this mortal frame
Feels health or sickness, pain or ease,
As it may best Thy wisdom plfease :
Make me submissive — keep me sfill.
Suffering according to Thy will.
The springs of life are in Thy hand.
They move, they stop at Thy command;
Without Thy blessing will prove vain
All human skill to ease my pain :
Make me submissive — keep me still,
Suffering according to Thy will.
'^kou ®xrl) 0tzei JRe.
I am a sinner — shall I dare
To murmur at the strokes I bear ?
Strokes, not in wrath, but mercy sent,
A wise and needful chastisement :
Make me submissive — ^keep me still,
Suffering according to Thy will.
Saviour ! I breathe the prayer once Thine,
"Father! Thy will be done, not mine!"
One only blessing would I claim ;
In me O glorify Thy name !
Make me submissive — keep me still,
Suffering according to Thy will.
^^<ttt ^dA uut ^*.
' when my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then Thou knewest
my path." — Psa. cxlii. 3.
My God ! whose gracious pity I may claim,
Calling Thee "Father," sweet endearing name I
The sufferings of this weak and weary frame,
All, all are known to Thee.
Mhou dob aefst Mz.
From human eyes 'tis better to conceal
Much that I suffer, much I hourly feel;
But oh, this thought can tranquillise and heal.
All, all is known to Thee. ^ ,
Each secret conflict with indwelling sin ; ^
Each sickening fear, " I ne'er the prize shall win ;"
Each pang from irritation, turmoil, dih.
All, all are known to Thee.
When in the morning unrefreshed I wake.
Or in the night but little rest can take.
This brief appeal submissively I make,
All, all is known to Thee.
Nay, all by Thee is ordered, chosen, planned,
Each drop that fills my daily cup, 'Thy hand
Prescribes for ills none else can understand.
All, all is known to Thee.
The effectual means to cure what I deplore.
In me Thy longed-for likeness to restore.
Self to dethrone, never to govern more,
All, all are known to Thee.
And this continued feebleness — this state.
Which seems t' unnerve and incapacitate,
Will work the cure my hopes and prayers await,
That cure I leave to Thee.
Jl ^xz0znt gel^J.
Nor will the bitter draught distasteful prove,
While I recall the Son of Thy dear love ;
The cup Thou wouldst not for our sakes remove —
That cup He drank for me.
He drank it to the dregs — no drop remained
Gf wrath — for those whose cup of woe He drained :
Man ne'er can know what that sad cup contained :
All, all is known to Thee.
And welcome, precious, can His Spirit make
My little drop of suffering for His sake ;
Father ! the cup I drink — the path I take.
All, all are known to Thee !
% '^xpm %tiif.
' God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.'
Psa. xlvi. 1.
God of pity ! God of love !
Send me comfort from above ;
Let not anxious thoughts perplex,
Harrowing fears my spirit vex :
Let me trust Thee, and be still,
Waiting patiently Thy will.
^ $vteznt Pelp.
Though to weak short-sighted man
All uncertain seems each plan ;
Each event Thy will orda,ins,
Fixed immutably remains :
Not one link in life's long chain
Can be lost, or wrought in vain.
All that chain, through bygone years.
Woven in links of love appears ;
Not one storm of vengeful wrath
E'er has swept across my path :
Why should fear o'er faith prevail?
Thy sure mercies cannot fail.
What are distance, time, or place,
To that God who fills all space?
What are sea or land to Him?
Can the Omniscient eye grow dim? *
Thpse we love, (whate'er betide,)
O'er them does that eye preside.
Clinging to Thy strengthening arm,
Thou wilt keep me safe frOm harm;
Thou wilt grant the hope that cheers
Will prove better than my fears;
Bid my sad misgivings cease ;
Guide me to my home in peace.
"laJqital 4f!»*^«^»fl'
" If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons.'
Heh. xii. 7.
Oh cheer thee, cheer thee, suffering saint !
Though worn with chastening, be not faint !
And though thy night of pain seem long,
Chng to thy Lord — in Him be strong,
He marks. He numbers every tear.
Not one faint sigh escapes His ear.
Oh cheer thee, cheer, thee ! He has traced
Thy track through Hfe, from first to last;
Each stage, the present, childhood, youth,
Has borne fresh witness to that truth :
Which soon will tune thy harp above,
" Loved with an everlasting love."
Yes, cheer thee, cheer thee ! though thine ear,
Quickened by suffering, scarce can bear
The voice of those who love thee best,
Not lonely art thou, not unblest;
Thy soul's Beloved ever nigh
Bends o'er thee, whispering, "It is I/"
^sternai Chastening.
Oh cheer thee, cheer thee ! how's the hour
To Him to lift thine eye for power,
His all-sufSciency to show,
E'en in extremity of woe :
While in the furnace to lie still,
This is indeed to do His will.
Then cheer thee, cheer thee ! though the flame
Consume thy wasting, suffering frame ;
His gold ne'er suffers harm or loss,
He will but purge away the dross,
And fit it, graced with many a gem,
To form His glorious diadem.
And He will cheer thee. He will calm
, Thy pain intense with heavenly balm.
Show thee the martyr's white-robed throng,
Thy place prepared that host among;
That weight of glory will o'erpower
The anguish of hfe's suffering hour.
Yes, He will cheer thee — He will prove
The soul encircled by His love
Can meekly, midst her anguish, say, —
"Still will I trust Him though He slay;"
And He will make His words thine own —
" Father ! Thy will, not mine, be done."
^itiftt^ €ifnuUii$^.
" I will not leave you comfortless." — yc/itt xiv i8.
Holy Comforter ! who guidest
Those who seek Thine aid divine !
Who in contrite hearts abidest,
Now, amidst my darkness, shine !
Though around me waves are swelling,
And the storms of life increase,
If my heart be made Thy dwelling,
I shall still be kept in peace.
'Tis Thine office, blessed Spirit !
Christ's remembrancer to be ;
Though such grace I cannot merit.
Now recall His words to me ;
Though with grief my heart seems broken,
Though the waves go o'er my soul ;
Every word, by Jesus spoken,
Makes the wounded spirit whole.
God of peace and consolation !
Pour this balm upon my mind ;
In my Saviour's Cross and Passion
Strength and healing let me find !
'Eo '§iz ia daitt.
Is the outward man decaying?
Be the inward man renewed !
Now, Thy power and love displaying,
Cheer my mournful solitude.
Take the things to Christ belonging,
Manifest His love to me;
Check these thoughts of-anguish, thronging
This poor heart, resigned to Thee j
Show me life nor death can sever
From my soul that heavenly Friend, —
Tell me He is mine for ever.
And will love me to the end.
if ih h ^nin.
Phil. i. 21.
O MUCH beloved ! fear not to die.
Lift up to heaven thy tearful eye;
And see, prepared for thee,
A mansion where no sins, no foes.
Shall ever break thy sweet repose,
Through all eternity.
ne 10
Why should'st thou fear to die, when death
Is but to yield thy mortal breath,
And lay this frame aside,
" Fearfully, wonderfully made " —
Yet now, enfeebled, worn, decayed,
And oft with suffering tried ?
Death musf dissolve it; flesh and blood
Can enter not that pure attbde
Where Christ His face unveils :
Then since by death, and death alone,
Can be attained that bliss unknown.
Shrink not when death assails.
To Nature his approach seems sad.
But Faith rejoices, and is glad
His coming step to hear :
She knows that though the hand be rough
That strikes the soul's hard fetters off,
Each blow brings freedom near.
Then when the captive is set free,
What life, what joy, what liberty
Will heaven's bright gates unfold !
The last pang felt, the last sigh heaved,
Faith's great reward will be received,
Christ Jesus to behold !
^ragjr against Impatifittce.
Christ in His glory 1 oh, the thought
With bliss ineffable is fraught ;
And when the soul holds fast
That blessed hope which He has given,
Of endless life with Him in heaven,
Aside all fears are cast.
Then; much beloved, fear not to die !
Lift up by faith thy tearful eye,
And see, in heaven prepared,
A place where near Him thou shalt be,'
Where by thyself, eternally.
His glory shall be shared.
'^tUU U^h$t )(tttpli«fi.
Lord, wheii I see Thee as Thou art,
No sufferings then will wake ■ a sigh ;
Grant the one wish' that fills my heart.
To glorify Thee ere I die !
When I would murmur and complain.
Fix on Thy cross my tearful eye ;
Mine is far lighter ,to sustain ;
Oh, make me patient ere I die !
223
^rager against Impatience.
What countless blessings Thou hast given,
Though health it please Thee to deny,
Thy precious bipod — a home in heaven !
Oh, make me thankful, ere I die !
Thou art my stem, my life, my root :
Sap to Thy feeblest branch supply;
Those who "abide in Thee" bear fruit —
Oh, make me fruitful, ere I die !
Too often do I go astray;
Unstable — weak — alas 1 am I ;
Oh, keep me in Thyself, my Way;
Make me consistent, ere I die !
Oh, prove, by making all things new,
Thou dost within me rule, not I ;
Let grace the carnal mind subdue.
And make me heavenly, ere I die !
None without holiness can see
Thy glorious beauty, " eye
to eye :"
But if my heart Thy temple
be,
I shall be holy, ere I die.
Let every grace combine to
prove
Thy Spirit seals me from
on high;
Faith, meekness, resignation,
love.
Let each adorn me, ere I
die.
224
'iS.ht Ettf ailing J[tiettl).
Show that I am in Thee "complete;"
In me Thy mercy magnify;
Let all around Thy praise repeat,
By me awakened, ere I die.
Thou art the Lord my Righteousness,
No other wedding robe need I;
Jehovah's eye no spot will trace,
In it arrayed I'm fit to die.
This, this alone can safety give
When death's appalling hour draws nigh ;
If it be " Christ " to me " to live,"
It will be "eain" indeed "to die."
tU ^ttfitilittjl ^thntl
' He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."— /f^3. xiii. 5.
The thought that I must leave, ere long.
My friends beloved, at times will grieve mc ;
But this, e'en then, shall be my song, —
The Lord will never, never leave me.
225 Q
Jor a ^uttiias in §oIiteIi£.
Well mayest Thou ask, O Friend Divine,
"Am I thy God? dost thou believe Me?"
Lord, 'tis enough if Thou art mine,
If Thou wilt never, never leave me !
Whither I go my friends will come.
Death will enrich and not bereave me ;
Will waft me to that blessed home
Where Thou wilt never, never leave me.
From the rough passage shall I start
When there Thou waitest to receive me?
When I shall see Thee as Thou art,
And Thou wilt never, never leave me.
Thou'rt gone my mansion to prepare.
Thou art the Truth — canst Thou deceive me?
Soon Thou wilt reunite us there,
Nor e'er forsake nor ever leave me !
^n a ^uUu In ^aUMt.
Let me put on my fair attire.
My heavenly "robes of richest dress,"
And tune my consecrated lyre,
Lord of the Sabbath ! Thee to bless.
Jfcrr a ^txttiag in <StrUtttIie.
Oh, may no spot of sin to-day
My raiment, " clean and white," defile !
And while I tune my heartfelt lay,
Bend down on me Thy gracious smile.
Let holy feeUngs, heavenly themes,
Raise and refresh and fill my mind !
And earth's low vanities and schemes
Nor place nor entertainment find !
The looks, the thoughts, the sweet employ
Of saints, whose treasure is above,
Be mine to-day — their zeal, their joy,
Their peace, and purity, and love.
My spirit may with theirs unite.
My humble notes with theirs may blend,
Though still denied the pure delight
Thy sacred courts with them t' attend.
" The faith and patience of the saints,"
These I may exercise each hour;
When, weak with pain, the body faints,
I best may manifest their power.
Oh, Saviour ! with completion crown
Desires Thou wakenest not in vain j
Stoop to Thy lowly temple down :
Bring all these graces in Thy train.
I
1 comz to %hee.
This is Thy day of bounty, Lord !
I ask no small, no stinted boon,
But showers, rich showers of blessing, poured
On me, though worthless and alone.
If the weak tendril round T/iee twine.
It ne'er is hidden from Thine eye ;
T cling to Thee, life-giving Vine !
Strength, verdure, fruitfulness, supply.
\ cirttt^ U 't^\H.
' Into Thine hand I commit my spirit ; Thou hast redeemed mc,
O Lord God of truth." — Psa. xxxi. 5.
God of my hfe ! Thy boundless grace
Chose, pardoned, and adopted me;
My rest, my home, my dwelling-place !
Father! I come to Thee.
Jesus, my hope, my rock, my shield !
Whose precious blood was shed for me.
Into Thy hands my soul I yield ;
Saviour ! I come to Thee.
Jforaake Jtte £iot.
Spirit of glory and of God !
Long hast Thou deigned my guide to be ;
Now be Thy comfort sweet bestowed !
My God ! I come to Thee.
1 come to join that countless host
Who praise Thy name unceasingly;
Blest Father, Son, and Holy Ghost !
My God ! I come to Thee.
fnn\t m pu
' Be not Thou far from me, O Lord ; O, my strength, haste Thee
to help me." — Psa. xxii. 19.
Forsake me not, my God, my heart is sinking,
Bowed down with faithless fears and bodings vain ;
Busied with dark imaginings, and drinking
Th' anticipated cup of grief and pain ;
But, Lord, I lean on Thee ; Thy staff and rcsd
Shall guide my lot,
I will not fear if Thou, my God, my God,
Forsake me not !
J0r0ak£ JttJ 3oi-
Forsake me not, my God ! man must forsake me,
And earth grow dim, and vanish from my sight ;
Through death's dark vale no human hand may take
me,
No friend's fond smile may bless me with its light :
Alone the silent pathway must be trod
Through that drear spot,
For I must die alone — Oh then, my God,
Forsake me not.
Forsake me not, my God ! when darkly o'er me
Roll thoughts of guilt, and overwhelm my heart ;
When the accuser, threatening, stands before me.
And trembling conscience writhes beneath the dart ;
Thou who canst cleanse, by Thine atoning blood.
Each sinful spot.
Plead Thou my cause, my Saviour and my God !
Forsake me not.
Forsake me not, O Thou, Thyself forsaken.
In that mysterious hour of agony.
When, from Thy soul. Thy Father's smile was taken,
Which had from everlasting dwelt on Thee !
Oh, by that depth of anguish which to know
Passes man's thought.
By that last bitter cry, incarnate God,
Forsake me not !
|ttt ^l^flunpi n fm,
Celestial Guardian ! Thou who slumberest not,
Does not Thy gracious eye behold the spot
On which this weak and weary frame reclines,
Though now no cheering light around me shines ?
Oh yes ! with heavenly pity Thou look'st down
On me, e'en me, whose sins deserve Thy frown ;
Gild now th' oppressive darkness with Thy smile,
And these sad hours of restlessness beguile.
Though sweet repose forsake my uneasy bed,
Like silent dew Thy grace benignant shed;
If Thou beside me these night-Watehes keep,
Thy presence will refresh far more than sleep.
The restless, feverish body Thou canst calm.
And on th' unquiet mind drop healing balm;
Canst round the soul such cheering radiance pour,
That outward darkness shall be felt no more.
Oh Thou ! who, when on earth, would'st oft repair
To some lone mount, and pass the night in prayer,
Set free my spirit from its cumbrous clod.
And be these waking hours all spent with God.
h |«|t liJatq$.
' Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm
yourselves therefore with the same mind." — i Peier'vi. i.
When passing through deep waters
Of bitter pain and grief,
That sun is veiled which scatters
The clouds of unbelief;
When past sins gather round me
In all their crimson hue,
And foes unseen confound me
With taunts, alas ! too true —
When human hopes all wither,
And friends no aid supply;
Then whither. Lord, ah, whither
Can turn my straining eye ?
'Mid storms of grief still rougher,
'Midst darker, deadlier shade.
That cross, where Thou didst suffer.
On Calvary was displayed.
On that my gaze I fasten,
My refuge that I make;
Though sorely Thou mayest chasten,
Thou never canst forsake :
®n '^ecobzxy, ixom SUneee.
Thou on that cross didst languish
Ere glory crowned Thy head ;
And I, through death and anguish,
Must be to glory led.
^n '^Ui^tftn f«ttt flUlt**;^,
" Not my will, but Thine, be done."— Luie xxii. 42.
It is Thy will ; my Lord ! my God 1
And I, whose feet so lately trod
The margin of the tomb,
Must now retrace my weary way,
And in this land of exile stay.
Far from my heavenly home.
It is Thy will ; and this, to me,
A check to every thought shall be,
Which else might dare rebel ;
Those sacred words contain a balm
Each sad regret to soothe and calm,
Each murmuring thought to quell.
®tt ^ercb^rg from lUne00.
It is Thy will ; that will be done !
To Thee the fittest time is known,
When, by Thy grace made meet,
My longing soul shall soar away,
And leave her prison-house of clay.
To worship at Thy feet.
It is Thy will ; and must be mine.
Though here, far off from Thee, I pine,
And find no place of rest ;
When shall the poor bewildered dove,
Now, o'er the waters doomed to rove.
Be sheltered in Thy breast?
It is Thy will; and now anew
Let me my earthly path pursue
With one determined aim;
To Thee to consecrate each power,
To Thee to dedicate each hour.
And glorify Thy name.
It is Thy will ; I seek no more ;
Yet, if I cast towards that bright shore
A longing, tearful eye,
It is because, when landed there.
Sin will no more my heart ensnare
Nor Satan e'er draw nigh.
234
I
-J
'^nt i\m i\n<{ni\ifh
* We are more than conquerors through Him who hath loved ns."
Hem, viii. 37.
Hark ! what voice of love is speaking
■ 'Mid these throes of pain and death ?
Light upon my soul is breaking
E'en while struggling thus for breath ;
Welcome, then, this dying anguish,
These cold dews that steep my brow I
That blest hour for which I languish
Cannot be far distant now !
All my outward senses, failing.
Part me from terrestrial things;
But my soul, new life inhaling.
Fluttering, striving, spreads her wings;
Ye, who tenderest watch are keeping —
Though these hours seem dark indeed-
Think, while o'er my sufferings weeping,
Thus th' imprisoned soul is freed.
Be the prison bars demolished !
King of terrors, break them down !
But, thy further power abolished,
Christ thy conqueror thou must own :
SKlten Sxyectins gufferiitg.
He is with me, He is near me !
He thy every stroke directs !
His belovfed accents cheer me,
He the soul He saved protects !
Lord, Thou comest to receive me !
Oh, what faithfulness is Thine !
Now, when every friend must leave me,
Come to be for ever mine !
Lo ! the beatific vision
Breaks on my enraptured sight !
Weighed with this divine fruition
E'en the pangs of death seem light.
'. Call upon Me in the day of trouble, I will deliver thee, and thou
shalt glorify M.c."—Psa. 1. 15.
My God ! the dreaded hour draws near,
Nature shrinks back, and faints with fear.
My heart within me dies ;
But still on Thee, who know'st my frame,
Who torture hast endured, and shame.
On Thee my hope reHes.
236 '
Ihm ffixpcding §ufiering.
I make no arm of flesh my stay —
All human powers Thy will obey —
All means on Thee depend —
Whate'er that will appoint for me,
In life,^in death, Thine let me be,
Support me to the end !
Give me that faith which nerves the soul,
That love which can all fear control.
Which " all things can endure ;"
Now, in my time of utmost need,
My Saviour! let me find indeed
Thy word of promise sure.
Stand by me — speak those words divine,
"I have redeemed thee, thou art Mine,
"Thee will I ne'er forsake;"
Say to my agitated heart,
Nothing from Thee my soul shall part,
Nor Thy sure covenant break. ^
And if a creature so defiled.
Whom yet Thou deign'st to call Thy child,
May ask one boon beside,
'Tis this — that in my suffering hour
Thy grace may manifest its power,
Thy name be glorified.
%Uh tatlJ*^*
* Ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry,
Abba, Father." — Jiom. viii. 15.
Thou, who searchest every heart,
Bend on mine Thy pitying eye !
Pardon, cleansing, peace, impart,
Abba, Father, hear my cry !
Grant that pardon Christ implored
From His cross on Calvary ;
Through my dying, pleading Lord,
Abba, Father, hear my cry !
Water from His side, and blood.
Flowed to wash sin's deepest dye ;
Bathe me in that cleansing flood,
Abba, Father, hear my cry !
Earthly cares and woes increase.
But from them to Thee I fly,
Jesu's legacy was peace —
Abba, Father, hear my cry !
238
%h& §hdizxinQ Mxnq.
Dark may be life's mournful daj',
Still no tear should dim my eye ;
This sweet name drives grief away,
Abba, Father^ hear my cry !
Pardon, cleansing, peace, impart,
All my need through Christ supply ;
With His Spirit fill my heart,
Abba, Father, hear my cry!
My Saviour ! when I come to die.
Look down on me with pitying eye,
For Thy sweet mercy's sake ;
Shield my foreboding, trembling heart.
From the accuser's fiery dart !
Thy wings my covering make !
Thou knowest, Lord, my only plea
Is sovereign grace, too rich, too free.
Too omnipotent to doubt ;
It drew me — led me to Thy feet ;
To hear Thee those ^blest words repeat,
" Ne'er will I cast thee out."
'W.ht (Sheltering cBing.
In childhood, through that grace divine,
To Thee ray heart did I resign ;
And though in after years
I wandered far in sin's dark track,
Mercy pursued and brought me back,
With floods of contrite tears.
Still has that mercy led me on ;
For more than " forty years " has shone
O'er life's long pathway traced;
And now, methinks, I see it gleam
From far, o'er Jordan's billowy stream,
Whither my footsteps haste.
Saviour ! Thy voice can banish fear,
And if Thou deignest to draw near
When most I need Thine aid;
If, when the cold waves round me swell,
" The everlasting arms " I feel,
I shall not be dismayed !
Mercy will bear me safely through,
Mercy, sweet mercy, still pursue.
Brightening the dark rough wave.
And land me on that peaceful shore
Where enemies are known no more,
Omnipotent to save.
240
^11 ^Ijfttjj^ ^a«tif %tvf.
O HEAVENLY traveller! hasting
From scenes where nought is lasting,
Its glimmering lamps all wasting,
Earth darkens on thy view;
While now, the world forsaking
The pilgrim's path thou'rt taking,
What light around thee breaking
Makes every object new !
When earthly joys have faded,
And when, by grief invaded.
Those spots are all o'ershaded,
Once bright' in life's fair morn;
Then, beams from heaven descending,
With each dark shadow blending,
A lovelier radiance lending.
The Christian's path adorn.
Nor fear to lose their shining,
Like earth's poor stars declining;
No ! more, yet moie refining,
This light will bless thy way.
1!lte (£!on-pxzetni '^elpet.
O'er hill and valley streaming,
O'er death's dark river beaming,
The dawn progressive seeming
Of heaven's eternal day.
-ST^&^Jte^T't-c—
^I{^ ^)itx-pt$i^nt %tii^tt.
" Lord, be thou my helper." — Psa. xxx. lo.
When all outward comfort flies.
And my heart within ine dies,
Hear, oh hear my trembling sighs ;
Help me, O my Saviour !
Wlien the day brings pain and grief.
Night, nor respite, nor relief.
Whisper — " These dark hours are brief :"
Help me, O my Saviour !
When all human help proves vain.
And my agonising pain
More than nature can sustain.
Help me, O my Saviour !
like (Bbtx-ipv&emi ^flpr.
Suffer not my faith to fail,
Let not Satan's darts assail,
Lift the intercepting vail :
Help me, O my Saviour !
When, oppressed with feverish heat,
I can scarce one text repeat,
Say, I am in Thee complete :
Help me, O my Saviour !
When the means for pain's redress
Seem to aggravate distress,
Then draw near — my faith increase ;
Help me, O my Saviour !
When the long and , suffering night
Makes me weary for the light.
Fix upon Thy cross my sight :
Help me, O my Saviour!
Lest I faint beneath the rod, ,
Say — " This very path / trod ;
" Thus tHou glorifiest God :"
Help me, O my Saviour !
Let me not on man depend.
But on Thee, the unfailing Friend :
Be Thou near me to the end:
Help me, O my Saviour!
€:lcr0tng §0ivnct.
Thou, Thou only canst relieve me !
Till Thine arms of love receive me,
Whisper — " I will never leave thee !"
Help me, O my Saviour!
^lu'm ^^U^U
Thou ! who all seasons rulest, and canst bless
Dark sorrow's Winter and joy's Summer bright,
Whose smile preserves our life's sweet flowers from
blight.
And gives its richest bloom to happiness; —
That smile sheds radiance even o'er distress :
And if it beam, these winter flowers to dress
In hues refreshing to the aching sight
Of those whom this world's flowers no more delight.
The gatherer's heart will glow with thankfulness.
I place them on Thy shrine, to bloom or fade
As it may please Thee, — worthless at the best,
Still by this offering love may be expressed,
Which thinks on griefs it vainly longs to aid.
O, should they cheer one sufferer, — one alone,
Thine be the glory ! all the praise Thine own !
APPENDIX.
NOTE A.
Amongst the innumerable testimonies to tlie
value of the hymn " ^usi as /am," the following,
from the son-in-law of the poet Wordsworth, will
be read with interest:
liOUGHRtGG Holme, Ambleside :
jFaly 28, 1849.
Dear Miss Elliott,
The day I received your very kind and welcome
note, with the music of the hymn, I was moving from home,
and I did not return till last night. I need not say how
much I am obliged to you. That hymn was originally sent
to us, for my dying wife, by a relation of ours, a clergyman's
wife in Kent; and it is rather remarkable that Aer daughter,
who is on a visit to us, was the first person (as yet the only
one) from whom I heard the music, which is exactly what
it should be. This young lady was in the room when I
received it, and she immediately, at my request, sang it
without difficulty to her own accompaniment. I should be
ashamed of having deprived you of your only copy ; but you
tell me that you have access to another. I cannot desire
more touching and appropriate melody for the words ; but,
if you will not think me obtrusive and unreasonable, I
should like to have the other air, when your niece may have
245
^ppcnbix.
leisure to copy it; for everything connected with those
words cannot but be of the deepest interest to me, and to
Mr. and Mrs. Wordsworth.
When I first got the letter enclosing them, from Kent, I
said to the beloved sufferer who knew she was soon to leave
us, "Here is a hymn from your friend Charlotte of
Barham. Shall I read it to you?" She. answered hesi-
tatingly, " Yes, I must bear it since it comes from her. She
is so good, it ought to be worth hearing.'' I read it ; and
had no sooner finished than she said very earnestly, "That
is the very thing for me. '' At least ten times that day she
asked me to repeat it to her ; she desired me to write it in
" Home's Manuel for the Afflicted," a little book which she
kept by her pillow, and which is now one of my melancholy
treasures ; and, every morning, from that day till her decease
nearly two months later, the first thing she asked me for
was her hymn. " Now fny hymn," she would say — and she
would often repeat it after me, line for line, many times in
the day and night. You may judge from this whether the
volume you propose to send us will be acceptable to her
father and mother and husband.
Mrs. Wordsworth has told me that your hymn forms part
of her daily solitary prayers. I do not think that Mr.
Wordsworth could bear to have it repeated aloud in his
presence, but he is not the less sensible of the solace it gave
his one and matchless daughter.
The place you date your note from, Torquay, disturbs me
with a fear ; but I hope the delicacy of your health is in no
way connected with the malady that has made me desolate
for the rest of my term.
Believe me, dear Miss Elliott, with true sympathy,
Your obliged and faithful friend,
Edward Quillinan
246
^ppctttiix.
NOTE B.
The following is the original of the letter from
Dr. Csesar Malan, of which a translation is given
on page 17. ,
Manchester: i8 Mai, 1822.
BiEN CHiiRES Amies,
Puisque le Seigneur, notre Dieu, notre Sauveur
et Pere, a daigne me faire " trouver gtice aupr^s de vous,"
et que la parole de son ministre vous a ete agreable et pre-
cieuse, je puis, en paix et avec confiance, continuer k vous
entretenir de ces choses qui " appartiennent k. notre elernel
salut."
L'amour du Seigneur est au-dessus de toutes ses oeuvres ;
ses compassions sont plus elevees que les cieux, et il n'oublie
aucune des ses promesses ; il est fidele. Nous ne le croyons
pas, chores amies ; notre cceur^ne peut ni supposer, ni
admettre l'amour que Dieu a pour nous, k moins que la
puissante grace de Dieu ne I'ait change, renouvele, retourne
vers le Seigneur. M6me parmi le monde Chretien : au milieu
de ceux qui parlent le plus abondamment de religion, ce qui
,se trouve le moins, ce qui s'y fait le plus rarement apercevoir,
c'est le sentiment simple et sincere de l'amour de Dieu. On
peut s'entretenir durant des heures sur I'evangile^ sur les
affaires des ^Sglises : on peut savamment et spirituellement
discourir sur quelque haute doctrine, quelque point de
morale ; on peut ainsi faire dire et se persuader h. soi-mSme
"qu'il y'a eu beaucoup d'edification dans telle visite, telle
reunion, telle assemblee, et neanmoins deraeurer aussi loin de
la viede Dieu, que les gens du monde le sont dans leurs
calculs ou leurs vaines poursuites. "
247
^ppenbix.
Bonnes amies, un seul regard silencieux mais arrets et
fidele sur la croix de Jesus vaut mieux que tout cela, et il a
plus de puissance. II est du moins en rapport avec I'etemit^ :
c'est un regard de vie, oui, de vie divine. Se dire qu'on est
aime de I'flternel ; qu'il est noire Thre ; qu'il nous chh-it,
qu'il nous voit, nous suit, nous guide, et nous garde ; croire,
mais croire, en effet, que Jesus est notre ami, de tous les
jours, de toutes les heures, que sa grace nous entoure, que
sa voix nous invite continuellement i etre saint et heureux en
lui ; demeurer, comme un enfant, dans la joie de cet amour el
rep^ter i son ^me : " mon ame, mon ame, demeure en
repos et benis ton Dieu ;" tout cela qui est la vie ; et sans
quoi il n'y a point de vie ici bas et dans le monde superieur,
tout cela n'est pas I'oeuvre de notre volonte ; c'est I'immediat
accomplissement de la puissance misericordieuse et toute
gratuite de Celui qui est etemellement heureux, "qui est
amour, et qui veut etre appeW et reconnu, le P&e de toute
compassion."
Mais, chores, oui vraiment chores amies et soeurs, nous
pouvons dans notre vanity dans une folle presomption ; dans
un egarement ridicule, nous pouvons nous flatter de vivre en
dehors de cette vie : d'etre sage loin de cette verite ; d'etre
contents, heureux, paisibles, au milieu de notre propre agita-
tion, et dans un sentier que nous voulons tracer parmi le sable
mouvant de notre gloire, de I'approbation de nos alentours,
de nos sciences, de nos lectures, de nos plaisirs, etc., etc.
Alors, et bien-heureusement, O ! Charlotte ! alors il n'y a
plus de paix pour une ame immortelle ainsr abusee, liee, et
dix fois vaincue par la ruse et la seduction de Satan, d,u
monde, et de sa propre folie. II n'y a pour cette ame li
qu'une secrgte inquietude, une longue langTieur ; des larmes,
des regrets, et des continuels soupirs vers une vie qu'elle ne
pent saisir, et dont elle sent I'imperieux besoin.
Mais, mais, Jesus demeure le meme au-dessus de cette
248
^p^jenbix.
t^neWeuse ignorance ; de ce coupable egarement ; , Jesus,
dont le nom est Sauveur ; Jesus qui n'epie poinfune pauvre
fime pour la trouver en faute, et la perdre ; mais pour
I'attirer a lui, et lui rendre la vie en lui pardonnant tout.
Jesus regarde cette S.me, et cette chfere ime, s'etonne d'etre
de nouveau sensible ; de trouver" des larmes de repentance,
des espoirs de grSce, et de pardon ; des joies qu'elle avait
cm ne plus connaitre — ^Jesus regarde Pierre, et Pierre pent
ensuite lui dire " Tu sais que je t'aime." Eh bien ! mes
bien chores amies, puisqUe un tel regard est parvenu sur vos
chores Smes, puisqu' aujourd'hui vous pouvez dir? "Nous
avons trouv^ le Messie"— et vous r^jouir dans le regard de
sa face, .demeurez-vous dans cette glorieuse possession, en
demeurant simples, Gui, simples et en ne vous occupant,
durant ces premiers temps surtout, que de cette benediction,
que de cette joie ; O ! laissez, je vous en prie au nom de
votre Redempteur, de votre Roi, qui veut regner sur TOUT
voire coeur, laissez done les occupations de Marthe, et soyez
heureuses d'Stre tranquilles au pied du Sauveur ecoutant ce
que Lui a i vous dire.
Chire Helena, ofFrez-vous i Christ en sacrifice, en holo-
causte ; ne lui retranchez rien de votre coeur. Chfere Char-
lotte, coupez les cables ; il serait trop long de les delier ;
coupez-les; c'est une 'petite perte; le vent souffle et I'ocean
est devant vous, — I'Esprit de Dieu, et I'fiteriiit^.
I Votre Frire et Ami,
C. Malan.
Que vos chers parents se rapellent de moi dans leurs
pri^res I
.249
^ppjnbix.
NOTE c.
There is a touching history associated with the
hitherto unpubHshed Hymn inserted on page 52
of the Memoir, commencing :
" Darling, weep not ! I must leave thee,
For a season we must part ! "
A copy of it, written out for the purpose by
Mrs. Babington, was, in the month of November,
1872, forwarded by a friend to Lord Shaftesbury,
then at Mentone, suffering under a double afflic-
tion — the recent loss of a deeply-beloved wife, and ~
the threatened removal of his second daughter, on
whom the tenderest affection of both her parents
had been centred during several years of failing
health. The hymn was given to Lady Constance
Ashley by her sorrowing father, and was found
after her joyful death, on the i6th of December,
fastened to the fly leaf of a Bible which had been
his gift. Her remains were brought to England,
and the following account, which mentions Miss
Charlotte Elliott's hymn, appeared in the Record
of December 30, 1872 :
" The funeral of Lady Constance Ashley was solemnized
on Friday last in the church of St. Giles's, Wimbome, with
250
'^p^j^ttliix.
much simplicity. Great was the sympathy felt with her
noble father and the rest of his family ; for, like Lord
Shaftesbury's other daughters, she had endeared herself to
the parishioners, when in health, by visiting the cottages
and almshouses, and attending both to their temporal and
^iritual wants. Her departure at Mentone was the beautiful
close of a short but beautiful life. A holy resignation
tempered her deep grief for the death of a mother, the
tenderness of whose maternal devotion to her invalid
daughter during years of suffering could not be surpassed.
Her own departure more resembled a translation than a
death scene. Shortly before the end, she called her surviving
parent to her bedside, blessed him for all he had done for
her, and fondly charged him not to give way to sorrow, but
to continue his noble career in his Master's service. To her
sorrowing sisters she spoke with the same tenderness, and to
her younger sister she repeated from an unpublished poem
of the late Charlotte Elliott (the writer of the almost heaven-
inspired hymn ' Just as I am '), three stanzas beginning :
" Sweet has been our earthly union.
Sweet our fellowship of love ;
But more exquisite communion
Waits us in our home above."
She then said, ' Christ is very, near me.' ' I am waiting to
hear Him say, " Come, blessed of my Father." ' When re-
minded by Lord Shaftesbury of her blessed mother's favourite
expression, ' Simply to Thy cross I cling,' all heaven seemed
to shine out in her face radiant with joy, and she unmistake-
ably intimated her cordial assent. Her last words were
addressed to her pious nurse, " I know I am going to die,
for I feel so happy." She then turned her head on her
pillow, fell into a sweet sleep, and expired soon afterwards
without a struggle or a sigh."
Jl^j-jjentii.v.
On a wall of the church of St. Giles, Wimborne,
a marble tablet has been affixed, near one which
contains a glowing tribute of affection to the
memory of the Countess of Shaftesbury, with the
following inscription :
TO THE MEMORY OF
CONSTANCE EMILY,
A deeply-teloved daughter, whose suffering life and
joyful end were a rich example of the truth of her
chosen text :
" For me to live is Christ,
And to die is gain." — Philip, i. 21,
Shaftesbury.
At Mentone, Dec 16, 1872, God took her unto Himself.
INDEX OF FIRST LINES.
PAGB
A voice beloved thus spoke of late iz8
Am I to this seclusion brought ... , . 147
And does -my parting hour draw nigh . . . . 84
As through ^ glass, half clear, yet half concealed .. . . 196
Calm was the halloAved night 87
Celestial Spirit ! now, in this calm hour 154
Celestial Guardian ! Thou who slumberest not . . 231
Clouds and darkness round about Thee 211
Come, holy Faith ! beside me stand 192
Dark clouds hung brooding o'er the cold gray sea. . . 102
Day before which I was not I day ord^ned . . . 205
Dost thou complain of sorrow? Look on Him . . . 114
Ever patient, gentle, meek . . , 212
Father! when Thy child is dying ...... 209
Feelest thoii disquiet, care, unrest 165
Forsake me not, my God, my heart is sinking . . .'225
God of my life ! Thy boundless grace 228
God of pity I God of love . 216
Hark ! what voice of love is speaking . . . , 235
Holy Comforter ! who guidest 220
Holy Comforter 1 my Guide ,109
Holy Slumberer, rest in peace. 119
Holy Spirit I mighty God 100
How sweet is the song of the lark as she springs . . . 171
I can gaze on that beautiful sky .... . 169
I cannot wander far astray 127
I come, my Lord, to offer up to Thee . . . 174
1 heard the voice of love divine 172
253
Inhtx Oft Jit0l Sinc0.
I look to Thee ! I hope iri Thee .
I need no other plea .
I need not fear to die .
I sate in silence listening ....
I see an aged man
I take my pilgrim staff anew
I view an upward path of light .
I walked upon an unknown shore .
Is thine a widowed heart
It is said that the exile who chances to hear
It must be so ; the feeling heart must oft receive a wound
It is Thy will; my Lord! my God
Jerusalem, bleSt city of our God .
Jesus, my Saviour! look on me
Leaning on Thee, my Guide, my Friend .
Let me go, for the day now breaketh
Let me put on my fair attire
Lie down in peace to take thy rest .
Light beams upon my inward eye
Lord, by Thy hand withdrawn apart
Lord of all power and might
Lord of the mountains and the hills
Lord, when I see Thee as Thou art .
Lovely star, serenely shining .
May heavenly guides attend thee
Mourner, is thy heart Still grieving .
Mourner, thy spirit was too finely strung .
Mourn not for those who die .
My body is weary and weak
My fleeting days glide on with noiseless haste
My God and Father, while I stray .
My God ! is any hour so sweet
My God ! the dreaded hour draws near
My God ! whose gracious pity I may claim .
My home, my home, my happy home
My Saviour ! what bright beam is shed .
My Saviour! when I come to die
Now, pilgrim I of thy journey home
254
PAGE
82
. 69
193
. 104
166
96
76
. 176
185
• 13'
13s
■ =33
III
• 73
200
• 131
226
2o5
155
• 151
ISO
• 75
223
■ 163
118
. 189
184
. 116
170
. 98
19s
. 142
236
. 214.
122
. 183
239
• 153
I.\xbzx bi Jfirst ^incs.
PAGE
O cheer thee, cheer thee, suffering saint 218
O faint and feeble-hearted . . . ~ . , . . 199
O God I from whom my spirit came 213
O God ! may I look up to Thee ... . . 145
O God, m,y God, these aching thoughts control . . -79
O, heavenly traveller, hasting 241
Holy Saviour ! Friend unseen 190
O Thou, the hope, the strength of Israel ... 64
Oh I much beloved, fear not to die ... . . 221
Oh ! fix on that beautiful planet thine eye .... 173
Oh I if I walked by sight, not faith .... . 160
Oh 1 it is ever thus. That Eye benign .... 144
Oh, let my faith these tears control . . . 203
Oh I there are some who, while on earth they dwell . 159
Oh, what a tranquil, hallowed sleep 120
Oh ! when the exile views his home 202
Oh yes I there is a land of light 93
Once on a cloudy, wintry day 134
Poor fainting spirit, still hold on thy way . . . .81
Poor tuneless harp 1 I take thee to my Lord . . 149
Radiant and fair smiled ocean, sky, and strand , . . 140
Ransomed spirit ! heavenward hasten 92
Sabbath of rest, all hail 112
Scarcely has one bright sunbeam shone * . . . 139
Speak, my Saviour, speak to me I57
Spirit of truth, of power, of love 62
Sweet chantress ! from every blossdming tree . . . .141
Sweet is life's evening hour ....... 90
Sweet Spring walketh forth, young flowers her pathway traced 99
The lamb is gathered into that blest fold . . . . " 182
There is a fountain deep and pure 77
There is a Voice, "a. still small Voice," of love . . 161
There is a wondrous volume, on whose page .... 117
The thought that I must leave, ere long . . . 225
The twilight hour is come . . 94
This gracious promise, Lord; fulfil 197
Thou for whom we look, now aid me 66
25s
Enbex of Jirat gines.
Thou hast laid up so many treasures there
Thou, through whose all-prevailing love .
Thou ! who all seasons rulest, and canst bless .
Thou I who art ever present, though unseen .
Thou who searchest every heart .
Traveller on earth I mark well its fabric rare ,
Warrior ! the foe is stirring and a-field
We gaily said, that when the Spring
Welcome, sweet day of holy peace
What is our sweetest joy
What is the lesson I am taught , . . .
When all outward comfort flies ....
When earth's supports and comforts fail
When passing through deep waters .
When the dark mantle of o'er shadowing night .
Where Is happiness, oh where ....
While ceaseless love and ceaseless care
Why dost thou haste so swiftly on thy way .
Why, why art thou so fearful . . . .
Yes, she was very lovely ; soft, serene
179
106
244
146
238
103
72
180
123
61
68
242
108
232
158
2o3
164
85
THE END.
LONDON: KNIGHT, PRINTER, BARTHOLOMEW CLOSE.
256
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